The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a leading global shipping firm, has once again defied the Nigerian Parliament by refusing to honour an invitation from the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions.
Despite being issued a mandatory summons to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, MSC failed to show up marking its second consecutive snub of the National Assembly.
The hearing followed a formal petition submitted by the Citizens WhistleBlowers Coalition (CWC) on June 18, 2025, which accused MSC of serious infractions including illegal and arbitrary shipping charges, a ₦3 trillion container deposit scandal, and persistent evasion of Nigerian legal and regulatory frameworks.
The Committee, visibly angered by the multinational’s disregard, reiterated its constitutional mandate to summon any person or organisation operating within Nigerian territory.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Michael Etaba, condemned MSC’s posture and issued a final warning, giving the company until July 31, 2025, to appear or face legal consequences.
“The Constitution empowers this Committee to compel compliance. No entity is above the law,” Hon. Etaba declared during the session.
He also assured that the Committee would pursue the investigation to its logical conclusion, focusing on alleged illegal detention of cargo, extortion, tax evasion, and other unfair trade practices perpetrated by foreign firms in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Speaking to journalists after the session, lead counsel to the petitioners, Barrister Uzoma Abonta, called on relevant authorities to take urgent action, warning that continued impunity by foreign companies threatens national interest.
“The marine sector must be protected. MSC’s consistent refusal to appear before Parliament is alarming. All we are asking is for them to come forward and answer to these serious allegations,” Abonta said.
The Committee’s next move is expected to test the strength of legislative oversight and Nigeria’s resolve in holding foreign corporations accountable.
