The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has disclosed that its regulatory interventions and dispute resolution mechanisms protected more than N90.60 billion and $1.348 million in economic value for Nigerian shippers and the national economy.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, made this known through a representative during a media engagement with maritime editors and reporters in Lagos.
According to him, the Council’s interventions significantly reduced avoidable costs incurred by importers, exporters and other port users.
“Within the period under review, the Council protected 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,” he said.
Dr. Akutah explained that the Council handled hundreds of complaints from port users, resolving many commercial disputes without litigation.
He revealed that the NSC received a total of 558 complaints during the review period and successfully resolved 295 cases involving container deposits, demurrage, detention charges, terminal fees, cargo claims and export-related fraud.
According to him, the Council also achieved several out-of-court settlements involving major industry players, including APM Terminals Nigeria Limited, CMA CGM and Maersk Nigeria Limited, over charges collected above approved tariffs.
Speaking on ongoing reforms within the maritime sector, the NSC boss said the Council had introduced measures to simplify billing processes and improve transparency at bonded terminals.
He stated that invoice charges at bonded terminals had been harmonised by reducing billing categories from 18 to six, making the process more transparent and easier for port users to understand.
He added that terminal operators had been directed to publicly display their approved tariffs, while shipping companies were instructed to establish holding bays outside seaports to facilitate the return of empty containers and reduce congestion within the ports.
“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 said.
Dr. Akutah also highlighted legislative progress aimed at strengthening economic regulation across Nigerian ports.
According to him, the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill has already been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and is currently awaiting presidential assent.
He explained that once signed into law, the legislation would enhance tariff regulation, improve service standards, promote healthy competition and regulate commercial conduct throughout Nigeria’s port system.
“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,” he stated.
The Executive Secretary further disclosed that the Council had secured statutory funding through the 2025 Appropriation Act to support its regulatory activities.
He noted that the NSC remains actively involved in major trade facilitation initiatives, including the implementation of the National Single Window, the International Cargo Tracking Note and the expansion of Inland Dry Ports.
According to him, these initiatives are designed to improve trade efficiency, strengthen cargo monitoring and reduce the overall cost of doing business in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
