Shippers Council saves importers N197b, resolves 108 disputes in 2025
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says it recovered more than N197 billion for importers and port users in 2025, highlighting its efforts to protect shippers’ interests and promote transparency in
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says it recovered more than N197 billion for importers and port users in 2025, highlighting its efforts to protect shippers’ interests and promote transparency in the maritime sector.
According to the council’s 2025 performance review published in its quarterly newsletter, the agency received 183 complaints from stakeholders across the four quarters of the year.
The council disclosed that 108 of the complaints were successfully resolved through its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism. The cases addressed issues including arbitrary charges, delays in refunding container deposits, cargo damage, missing containers, and documentation lapses.
It noted that the majority of the complaints were filed against shipping companies and their agents, with disputes over arbitrary charges and container deposit refunds accounting for the highest number of cases.
A breakdown of recoveries for the first quarter, covering January to March 2025, showed that the council recovered more than N62.8 million and $15,964—estimated at N24.4 million—for port users following interventions in 41 complaints received during the period.
The recoveries brought the total value reclaimed in the first quarter to approximately N87.2 million, according to the report.
Out of the 41 complaints, 22 were resolved; 14 are ongoing, four were 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.
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Out of 46 complaints received, 26 were successfully resolved, with the remaining 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.
The NSC urged all port users and stakeholders to remain vigilant and continue reporting service infractions to the Council for prompt action.
