NSC seeks demurrage waivers for shippers

Hassan Bello
Hassan Bello

 

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) said it is working with shipping companies to find ways to accelerate clearing and evacuation of cargoes from the ports by shippers who were unable to access the ports during the 72- hour curfew imposed by the Lagos State Government.

In a statement on Monday, NSC said while activities at the ports in Lagos are gradually returning to normal following the easing of the curfew, the activities of the past week caused a lot of disruptions for shippers just as it did during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“The NSC is working with shipping companies to find ways to ease the hardship occasioned by the disruptions.

“Several discussions are taking place between the leaderships of the Council and shipping companies in Nigeria to find ways to accelerate clearing of cargoes from the terminals and collection of same by shippers who were unable to access the ports.

“Both sides are mulling the removal of demurrage charges on cargoes as one of the ways the hardship of shippers can be alleviated. The Executive Secretary of NSC will also visit some terminals to progress discussions on the waiver and other issues,” a statement signed by NSC spokeswoman, Rakiya Zubairu, said.