The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says its strengthened Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism has saved maritime stakeholders more than ₦90 billion in demurrage and other trade-related losses, easing the financial burden on businesses and boosting confidence in Nigeria’s port sector.
Speaking during a media luncheon with maritime journalists in Lagos on Saturday, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, said the agency blocked over ₦86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage charges between November 2023 and the second quarter of 2026.
According to him, the Council also secured an additional ₦4.54 billion and $1.348 million in direct savings for local shippers through effective dispute resolution and strategic regulatory interventions.
Akutah said the achievements reflect the Council’s commitment to strengthening its role as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator while supporting the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy agenda by creating a more transparent and competitive business environment.
He disclosed that the NSC received 558 complaints from port users within the period under review and successfully resolved 295 commercial disputes, including cases involving container deposits, demurrage, detention fees, terminal charges, cargo claims and export-related issues.
The Council also reached out-of-court settlements with APM Terminals Nigeria Limited, CMA CGM and Maersk Nigeria Limited over unapproved tariff charges, a move Akutah said has strengthened confidence in the Council’s Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism.
Beyond dispute resolution, he highlighted the successful passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, which is awaiting Presidential Assent and is expected to strengthen port regulation, tariff oversight and market competition.
Akutah further revealed that the Council secured its first statutory funding allocation since its establishment in 1978 through the 2025 Appropriation Act, describing the development as a major milestone for the agency’s long-term sustainability.
To reduce the cost of doing business at the nation’s seaports, the NSC streamlined bonded terminal billing by reducing 18 tariff lines to six, eliminating duplicate charges and improving transparency.
He added that the Council is advancing the implementation of the National Single Window and resolving issues delaying the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) to improve cargo clearance, increase trade efficiency and reduce transaction costs.
On labour relations, Akutah said the NSC successfully facilitated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and shipping employers, establishing a ₦200,000 minimum wage for junior maritime workers after years of negotiations.
Looking ahead, he reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to protecting shippers, expanding trade infrastructure, promoting consumer rights and supporting Nigeria’s transition to the proposed Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency, with the goal of positioning the country as the leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
