Shippers Council saves importers N197 billion, resolves 108 disputes

• Govt okays Council’s pay review

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) said it recovered over N197 billion for importers and port users last year, underscoring the Council’s commitment to protecting shippers’ interests and enforcing transparency within the maritime industry.

Also, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC, Dr. Akutah Ukeyima said the proposed salary review for staff of the Council has already received approval from the Ministry and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

According to the NSC’s 2025 performance review contained in its quarterly newsletter, the Council received a total of 183 complaints across the four quarters of the year.

The NSC said of the 183 complaints, 108 were successfully resolved through its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework, tackling issues such as arbitrary charges, container deposit refund delays, cargo damage, missing containers, and documentation lapses.

The Council noted that most of the complaints received were lodged against shipping companies and their agents, with arbitrary charges and container deposit refund disputes ranking highest.

A breakdown of the recoveries in the first quarter (January–March 2025) indicated that the Council recovered over N62.8 million and $15,964 (about N24.4 million) for port users, following interventions on 41 complaints received within the period. This brought the total value recovered in the quarter to approximately N87.2 million.

Out of the 41 complaints, 22 were resolved; 14 are ongoing, four placed on “Keep in View” (KIV) status, and one was closed. The majority of complaints were lodged against shipping companies and their agents, with arbitrary charges and container deposit refund disputes ranking highest.

Between April and June 2025, the Council recorded its highest quarterly savings, securing over N175.8 billion and $30,000 (about N45.9 million) for stakeholders through dispute resolution.

Within the quarter, it received 40 complaints and resolved 21, while 18 remained ongoing and one was closed without resolution.

In the third quarter (July–September 2025), the NSC recovered over N2.059 billion through interventions on complaints involving container deposit refunds, demurrage and detention, cargo damage, missing containers, and documentation lapses.

Out of 46 complaints received, 26 were successfully resolved, with the remained undergoing further verification.

In the fourth quarter (October–December 2025), the council recovered over N16.3 million and $39,779.02 (about N60.8 million) on behalf of port users, while resolving 39 out of 56 complaints received within the period.

14 cases were ongoing, two were closed, and one was classified as Keep In View (Kredre

“Our interventions align strictly with our statutory mandate to safeguard shippers’ interests and promote a culture of transparency,” the Council stated.

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The NSC urged all port users and stakeholders to remain vigilant and continue reporting service infractions to the Council for prompt action.

The Federal Government has urged the Council to improve port cost monitoring systems, strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms, enhance data analytics for regulatory oversight, and streamline stakeholder engagement processes.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood gave the advice during the NSC 2026 Strategic Management Retreat held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the strategic retreats such as this are critical moments in the life of any institution because they provide an opportunity to pause, reflect and recalibrate institutional direction in response to emerging realities.

 “As you deliberate over the next few days, I encourage you to be bold in your thinking; Be honest in your assessments; Be practical in your recommendations; and be resolute in your execution,” she said.

The Executive Secretary added that the theme of the NSC Retreat highlights three strategic imperatives that must guide the next phase of the Council’s institutional development.

“Collaboration, because no regulatory institution can operate effectively in isolation within a complex maritime ecosystem.

“Innovation, because the dynamics of global trade and logistics require institutions that are adaptive, technology-driven and forward-looking.

“And excellence, because the credibility and authority of a regulator ultimately depend on the professionalism, integrity and performance of its people.

“As you are aware, the Bill had earlier been passed by the National Assembly and transmitted for Presidential assent. During the review process, however, certain provisions were observed to conflict with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025. In line with the observations communicated by Mr President, the Bill was returned to the National Assembly for the necessary corrections.

On salary review and welfare, Akutah said: “Institutional transformation must also be supported by improved staff welfare and motivation. I am pleased to inform you that the proposed salary review for staff of the Council has already received approval from the Ministry and the OHCSF.

“The proposal is currently undergoing vetting and clearance by the Budget Office of the Federation, after which it will be considered by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for final approval prior to implementation.

“Management remains optimistic that the process will soon be concluded. In addition, several welfare improvements have been introduced, including: upward review of the Children Education Grant to per term; introduction of Health and Social Club allowances; and introduction of Proficiency Allowances to encourage professional development,” he said.