The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has disclosed that it protected more than N90.60 billion and $1.348 million in economic value for Nigerian shippers and the national economy through regulatory oversight, dispute resolution and reforms aimed at reducing the cost of doing business at the nation’s ports.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, made the disclosure during a media engagement with maritime editors and reporters in Lagos, where he outlined the Council’s achievements in protecting cargo owners from excessive charges and improving efficiency across Nigeria’s port system.
Akutah said the Council’s interventions had significantly reduced financial losses suffered 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.
Providing further details, the NSC boss said the Council handled hundreds of complaints from port users, many of which were successfully resolved through mediation and regulatory engagement.
According to him, the Council received 558 complaints during the review period and successfully resolved 295 commercial disputes involving container deposits, demurrage, detention charges, terminal charges, cargo claims and export fraud.
He noted that these interventions not only saved businesses high costs but also strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector by providing faster alternatives to prolonged litigation.
Out-of-court settlements with terminal operators
Akutah also disclosed that the Council secured out-of-court settlements with major industry operators, including APM Terminals Nigeria Limited, CMA CGM and Maersk Nigeria Limited, over charges collected above approved tariffs.
He said the recoveries underscore the Council’s commitment to ensuring compliance with approved pricing structures and protecting port users from arbitrary and excessive charges.
As part of ongoing reforms, the NSC said it has streamlined billing procedures at bonded terminals by reducing invoice charge categories from 18 to six, a move expected to simplify transactions and eliminate multiple charges.
The Council also directed terminal operators to publicly display their approved tariffs to promote transparency and prevent arbitrary pricing.
In addition, shipping companies have been mandated to establish holding bays outside the ports to facilitate the return of empty containers, reduce congestion and improve operational efficiency within the port environment.
Akutah revealed that the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill has now been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and is awaiting Presidential assent.
According to him, the proposed legislation will provide a stronger legal framework for regulating tariffs, enforcing service standards, promoting fair competition and strengthening commercial conduct across Nigerian ports.
He expressed optimism that the law would further enhance transparency, efficiency and investor confidence in the maritime sector once signed into law.
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The NSC also announced that it has secured statutory funding through the 2025 Appropriation Act, providing a more sustainable financial base for its regulatory responsibilities.
Akutah added that the Council continues to support key trade facilitation initiatives, including the National Single Window, the International Cargo Tracking Note, and the expansion of Inland Dry Ports, all aimed at improving trade efficiency, enhancing cargo movement and reducing the overall cost of doing business in Nigeria.
He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian shippers while driving reforms that will make the country’s ports more competitive and business-friendly.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.