Nigerian Shippers’ Council Recovers N90.6bn in Illegal Port Charges, Saves Importers Billions
Nigerian Shippers’ Council Recovers N90.6bn in Illegal Port Charges, Saves Importers Billions
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says it has recovered more than ₦90.6 billion and $1.348 million through regulatory interventions and alternative dispute resolution, protecting importers, exporters, and the Federal Government from illegal port charges and excessive fees.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, disclosed that the recoveries were recorded between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the second quarter of 2026 during an engagement with maritime journalists.
According to Akutah, the Council prevented ₦86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage payments while recovering an additional ₦4.54 billion and $1.348 million through successful mediation and regulatory actions involving port operators and shipping companies.
He revealed that the NSC received 558 complaints during the review period and successfully resolved 295 disputes relating to container deposits, demurrage, detention charges, terminal fees, cargo claims, and export-related issues.
The NSC also secured out-of-court settlements with several shipping companies over charges collected above approved tariffs, a move aimed at reducing litigation, improving transparency, and boosting confidence in Nigeria’s port system.
Akutah further highlighted ongoing reforms in the maritime sector, including the passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill by the National Assembly, statutory funding for the Council through the 2025 Appropriation Act, progress on the National Single Window Project, and initiatives to improve cargo clearance and port efficiency.
He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to ensuring fair trade practices, protecting port users, lowering the cost of doing business, and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
