The Citizens Whistleblowers Coalition (CWC) has urged the Federal Government to investigate the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) over alleged attempts to undermine Nigeria’s legal system and evade tax payments. The coalition claims that MSC has used legal tactics to block Nigerian companies from pursuing justice in local courts.
In a statement made in Port Harcourt, CWC officials Nafiu Ibrahim, Ella Susan, and Owhonda Nwakanma raised concerns about MSC’s conduct. They cited a case where MSC obtained an ex parte anti-suit injunction from a London court, which they say stops Nigerian companies from handling admiralty disputes in Nigerian courts. The coalition argues this move challenges Nigeria’s sovereignty and deliberately weakens its legal system.
According to the whistleblowers, MSC’s actions violate Section 20 of the Nigeria Admiralty Jurisdiction Act. This law states that any agreement that removes Nigerian courts’ authority over admiralty matters is invalid if the delivery or service took place in Nigeria or if any party involved lives in Nigeria. The coalition insists that MSC’s insistence on exclusive legal jurisdiction in London goes against Nigerian law and unfairly disadvantages Nigerian businesses.
The group also accused MSC of unfair business practices in Nigeria, including charging excessive fees, delaying shipments for long periods, and refusing to refund container deposits. They say these practices hurt Nigerian importers and harm the wider economy.
In response, the CWC has petitioned the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions to launch a full investigation into MSC’s activities in Nigeria. They have also asked the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to check MSC’s tax compliance and business conduct.
MSC is one of the world’s largest shipping companies, with annual revenues exceeding €86 billion, and operates widely in Nigeria. So far, the company has not publicly responded to these allegations.
The CWC’s call highlights growing worries about how foreign corporations influence Nigeria’s legal and economic systems. Many stakeholders are now watching closely for the government’s next move to address these serious claims.
