The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says it safeguarded over ₦90.60 billion and $1.348 million in economic value for Nigerian shippers through regulatory interventions and dispute resolution.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, says the achievement includes preventing ₦86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage payments and securing additional savings of ₦4.54 billion and $1.348 million through alternative dispute resolution.
According to him, the Council received 558 complaints and successfully resolved 295 commercial disputes involving container deposits, demurrage, detention charges, terminal fees, cargo claims and export fraud.
He adds that the Council also reached out-of-court settlements with APM Terminals Nigeria Limited, CGM and Maersk Nigeria Limited over charges collected above approved tariffs.
On reforms, Dr. Akutah says the Council has streamlined bonded terminal invoice charges by reducing billing categories from 18 to six, directed terminal operators to publicly display approved tariffs and mandated shipping companies to establish holding bays outside the ports to reduce congestion.
He also reveals that the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill has been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and is awaiting presidential assent, noting that the proposed law will strengthen tariff regulation, service standards, competition and commercial practices across Nigerian ports.
The NSC says it has 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 to boost trade and reduce the cost of doing business.
