The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has announced the recovery of more than N197 billion for shippers, mostly from shipping companies in 2025, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding stakeholders and promoting transparency across the maritime sector.
Details contained in the Council’s 2025 performance review, published in its quarterly newsletter, show that a total of 183 complaints were received over the course of the year. Of these, 108 were successfully resolved through its Alternative Dispute Resolution framework, addressing issues ranging from alleged arbitrary charges and container deposit refund delays to cargo damage, missing containers and documentation lapses.
The Council noted that the majority of complaints were lodged against shipping companies and their agents, with disputes over arbitrary charges and container deposit refunds topping the list.
In the first quarter, covering January to March, the Council recovered over N62.8 million and $15,964, equivalent to about N24.4 million, following interventions on 41 complaints. This brought the total value recovered within the period to approximately N87.2 million. Of the complaints received, 22 were resolved, 14 remained ongoing, four were placed on Keep in View status, and one was closed.
Between April and June, the Council recorded its highest quarterly recoveries, securing over N175.8 billion and $30,000, estimated at about N45.9 million, for stakeholders through dispute resolution. During the quarter, 40 complaints were received, with 21 resolved, 18 ongoing and one closed without resolution.
In the third quarter, spanning July to September, the NSC recovered more than N2.059 billion through interventions involving container deposit refunds, demurrage and detention, cargo damage, missing containers and documentation lapses. Of the 46 complaints received, 26 were resolved, while the remainder were undergoing further verification.
The fourth quarter, from October to December, saw recoveries of over N16.3 million and $39,779.02, estimated at about N60.8 million, on behalf of port users. During the period, 56 complaints were received and 39 resolved, while 14 cases remained ongoing, two were closed and one 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 urged shippers and industry stakeholders to remain vigilant and continue reporting service infractions for prompt redress, reiterating its resolve to ensure fairness and accountability within Nigeria’s port system.