The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) recovered over N197 billion for shippers and port users in 2025, reinforcing its commitment to protecting stakeholders and promoting transparency within the nation’s maritime sector.
This was disclosed in the Council’s 2025 performance review contained in its quarterly newsletter, which detailed the resolution of disputes and financial recoveries made on behalf of port users during the year.
According to the report, the NSC received a total of 183 complaints across the four quarters of 2025. Of this number, 108 cases were successfully resolved through the Council’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework.
The disputes addressed by the Council involved issues such as arbitrary charges, delays in container deposit refunds, cargo damage, missing containers, demurrage and detention charges, as well as documentation lapses.
The Council noted that most of the complaints were lodged against shipping companies and their agents, with arbitrary charges and container deposit refund disputes ranking among the most prevalent.
A breakdown of the figures showed that in the first quarter of 2025 (January–March), 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 recovery for the quarter to approximately N87.2 million.
Out of the 41 complaints received in the quarter, 22 were resolved, 14 remained ongoing, four were placed on “Keep in View” (KIV) status, while one case was closed.
Between April and June, the Council recorded its highest quarterly savings, securing over N175.8 billion and $30,000 (about N45.9 million) for stakeholders through dispute resolution efforts. During the period, 40 complaints were received, with 21 resolved, 18 ongoing and one closed without resolution.
In the third quarter (July–September), the NSC recovered over N2.059 billion through interventions in disputes involving container deposit refunds, demurrage and detention charges, cargo damage, missing containers and documentation issues. Out of the 46 complaints received within the period, 26 were resolved, while the remaining cases were undergoing further verification.
During the fourth quarter (October–December), the Council recovered over N16.3 million and $39,779.02 (about N60.8 million) on behalf of port users. Within the quarter, 56 complaints were received, out of which 39 were resolved, 14 remained ongoing, two were closed, and one was classified as “Keep in View.”
“Our interventions align strictly with our statutory mandate to safeguard shippers’ interests and promote a culture of transparency,” the Council stated.
The NSC also urged port users and other stakeholders in the maritime sector to remain vigilant and continue reporting service infractions to the Council for prompt redress.
