House of Reps orders arrest of MSC executives over tax fraud

DDM News

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that Nigeria’s House of Representatives has issued arrest warrants against top executives of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) over alleged tax evasion and anti-competitive behavior.

According to a formal petition by the Citizens Whistleblowers Coalition (CWC), MSC Nigeria has consistently underreported its earnings and failed to remit appropriate taxes to the Federal Government.

Despite Nigeria being MSC’s largest African market, the global shipping giant allegedly continues to sidestep full compliance with local tax obligations.

The petition also highlights that MSC, with over €83 billion in global revenue, has ignored several summons issued by the Nigerian parliament.

On Thursday, July 31, the House Committee on Public Petitions ordered the arrest of MSC Nigeria’s Managing Director, Mr. Andrew Lynch, and Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Jake Iosso.

Both executives reportedly refused to honor invitations from the committee on multiple occasions.

The Committee, chaired by Hon. Michael Etaba Irom, directed the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to provide full documentation of MSC’s tax compliance history.

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) was also mandated to submit details of MSC’s registration and legal operations in Nigeria.

The House acted after the company failed to respond to official correspondence served both physically at its Lagos office and published in national media.

Allegations against MSC include opaque billing systems, refusal to refund container deposits, and illegal seizure of cargo.

These accusations may violate Sections 115 and 127 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), which promote pricing fairness and transparency.

Hon. Uzoma Abonta, the petitioners’ legal counsel, condemned MSC’s conduct as a “deliberate disregard for Nigerian laws and democratic institutions.”

He urged lawmakers to recommend suspension of the company’s operating license and explore possible foreclosure of its business in Nigeria.

Prominent freight associations such as NAGAFF and ANLCA also criticized MSC for failing to refund container deposits ranging between N200,000 and N400,000 per container.

These deposits, collected from customs agents and importers, reportedly remain unpaid long after cargo delivery.

The House has adjourned the case to September 25, 2025, pending reports from FIRS, CAC, NPA, Customs, and the FCCPC.

Lawmakers say regulatory authorities must determine MSC’s accountability and whether sanctions should follow.

This case underscores growing frustration with multinationals allegedly exploiting loopholes to evade Nigerian regulations.

Citizens and lawmakers alike demand that international companies doing business in Nigeria operate with full transparency and compliance.

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