The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says its regulatory interventions and dispute resolution mechanisms have protected more than N90.60 billion and $1.348 million in economic value for Nigerian shippers and the national economy.
The disclosure was made by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, through a representative during a media engagement with maritime editors and reporters in Lagos.
The Council’s intervention comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s ports, reduce the cost of doing business and strengthen the competitiveness of the maritime sector through regulatory reforms and trade facilitation initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Akutah said: “Within the period under review, the Council protects over N90.60 billion and $1.348 million in economic value for Nigerian shippers and the national economy. This includes preventing N86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage payments and securing savings of N4.54 billion and $1.348 million through Alternative Dispute Resolution and regulatory interventions.”
According to him, the Council received 558 complaints and successfully resolved 295 commercial disputes involving container deposits, demurrage, detention charges, terminal charges, cargo claims and export fraud.
He added that the Council also recorded out-of-court settlements with APM Terminals Nigeria Limited, CMA CGM and Maersk Nigeria Limited over charges collected above approved tariffs.
On reforms in the maritime sector, Akutah said: “The Council harmonises bonded terminal invoice charges by reducing billing categories from 18 to six. Terminal operators are directed to display approved tariffs publicly, while shipping companies are mandated to establish holding bays outside the ports to ease the return of empty containers and reduce congestion.”
He further disclosed that: “The Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill has been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and is awaiting Presidential assent. The proposed law will strengthen tariff regulation, service standards, competition and commercial conduct across Nigerian ports.”
According to him, the Council also secured statutory funding through the 2025 Appropriation Act and continues to support the National Single Window, the International Cargo Tracking Note and the expansion of Inland Dry Ports as part of efforts to improve trade efficiency and reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria.
