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The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says it has prevented more than N86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage payments while securing an additional N4.54 billion and $1.348 million in savings for Nigerian shippers through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and regulatory interventions since November 2023.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius MON, disclosed this on Saturday during a media luncheon with maritime editors and reporters in Lagos, where he presented a scorecard of the Council’s achievements under his administration.
According to Akutah, the interventions formed part of a broader reform agenda aimed at strengthening the Council’s role as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, improving the ease of doing business and supporting the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda.
He said the Council protected more than N90.60 billion and $1.348 million in economic value during the review period, with the bulk of the savings arising from the prevention of arbitrary demurrage charges imposed on port users.
The NSC boss revealed that between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the second quarter of 2026, the Council received 558 complaints from port users and successfully resolved 295 commercial disputes, covering container deposits, demurrage, detention charges, terminal charges, cargo claims and export-related disputes.
He noted that the Council also concluded out-of-court settlements involving APM Terminals Nigeria Limited, CMA CGM and Maersk Nigeria Limited over charges paid above approved tariffs, reducing litigation and reinforcing confidence in its dispute resolution framework.
Beyond dispute resolution, the NSC recorded significant regulatory and institutional milestones, including facilitating the passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill by both chambers of the National Assembly. The bill is currently awaiting Presidential Assent and is expected to establish an independent port economic regulator with wider powers over tariffs, competition and service standards.
The Council also secured statutory funding for the first time since its establishment in 1978 through the 2025 Appropriation Act, a development Akutah described as a major boost to sustainable port regulation.
As part of efforts to reduce the cost of doing business at the nation’s seaports, the NSC harmonised bonded terminal invoice charges from 18 separate charge categories to six, eliminating duplication and improving billing transparency.
The Executive Secretary further stated that the Council had intensified support for the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) project and resolved outstanding issues delaying the rollout of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), both of which are expected to enhance cargo visibility, simplify cargo clearance and improve trade efficiency.
On labour relations, Ukeyima said the Council facilitated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and employers in the shipping industry, resulting in a N200,000 minimum wage for junior workers after nearly two decades of negotiations.
Addressing reports alleging that the Council had covertly recruited new members of staff, Akutah dismissed the claims, insisting that the exercise was conducted transparently and in full compliance with due process. He explained that the recruitment was handled by the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), an independent Federal Government institution, to ensure credibility and fairness. The NSC boss challenged journalists to visit the Council’s headquarters to investigate the recruitment process, expressing confidence that they would find that all laid-down procedures were strictly followed.
He also highlighted the deployment of the Enterprise Content Management System to digitise records and automate internal processes, alongside the introduction of a Leadership and Succession Planning Project to strengthen institutional capacity.
Looking ahead, the NSC boss said the would prioritise the implementation of the National Single Window and ICTN, expand trade facilitation infrastructure, strengthen consumer protection and deepen port economic regulation as it prepares for the transition to the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency.
He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to building “a transparent, efficient and globally competitive port economic regulatory system” capable of protecting Nigerian shippers, attracting investment and positioning Nigeria as the leading maritime and logistics gateway in West and Central Africa.
