By Joshua Yousouph

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has disclosed that it protected over ₦90.60 billion and US$1.348 million in economic value for Nigerian shippers and the national economy between November 2023 and June 2026, through regulatory interventions, dispute resolution mechanisms and trade facilitation reforms.

Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Pius Akutah, revealed this during a media briefing with maritime editors and reporters in Lagos on Saturday, stating that the Council’s achievements align with the Federal Government’s drive to build a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.

According to him, the amount protected comprised ₦86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage payments prevented through regulatory oversight, as well as savings of ₦4.54 billion and US$1.348 million secured through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and other regulatory interventions.

Providing a breakdown of the Council’s dispute resolution activities, Akutah said that between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the second quarter of 2026, the Council received 558 complaints and successfully resolved 295 commercial disputes involving container deposits, demurrage, detention charges, terminal charges, cargo claims and export fraud-related matters. The interventions resulted in recoveries and savings exceeding ₦4.54 billion and US$1.348 million.

He noted that the Council also concluded out-of-court settlements involving major industry operators, including APM Terminals Nigeria Limited, CMA CGM and Maersk Nigeria Limited, over charges paid above approved tariffs, thereby reducing litigation and reinforcing confidence in the Council’s dispute resolution framework.

On port economic regulation, the NSC boss said the Council harmonised bonded terminal invoice charges, reducing charge categories from 18 to six in a move aimed at eliminating duplication and improving billing transparency. He added that terminal operators were directed to publicly display approved tariffs, while shipping companies were mandated to establish holding bays outside the ports to facilitate the return of empty containers and ease congestion along port access roads.

Akutah further disclosed that the Council facilitated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria and employers in the shipping industry, resulting in the adoption of a new ₦200,000 minimum wage for junior workers after nearly two decades of negotiations. Discussions on a similar agreement for senior staff, he said, are at an advanced stage.

On legislative reforms, the Executive Secretary described the passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill by both chambers of the National Assembly as a major milestone. He explained that once assented to by the President, the legislation would establish an independent port economic regulator with enhanced powers over tariffs, service standards, competition and commercial conduct within the port industry.

He also highlighted the approval of the Council’s statutory funding mechanism in the 2025 Appropriation Act—the first such approval since the Council’s establishment in 1978—describing it as a sustainable framework for effective regulation.

The Council, he said, has continued to support the implementation of the National Single Window Project and has resolved outstanding issues delaying the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), both of which are expected to improve cargo visibility, streamline clearance procedures and reduce the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports.

In the area of trade facilitation infrastructure, Akutah stated that operational Inland Dry Ports in Kaduna, Kano and Funtua continue to enhance cargo movement and stimulate economic activities in inland regions. He added that following the completion of the Border Information Centre at Idiroko in Ogun State, new centres are being developed in Jigawa, Benue, Borno and Kebbi states, while existing facilities along major border corridors are undergoing upgrades.

He revealed that after the destruction of the Jibia Border Information Centre by a heavy rainstorm in June 2026, the Council prioritised its reconstruction and commenced discussions with state governments to secure land for permanent border information centre complexes.

On institutional reforms, the NSC boss said the Council had deployed an Enterprise Content Management System that digitised thousands of legacy files, automated workflows and enhanced document security, resulting in improved operational efficiency and reduced reliance on paper-based processes.

He also noted that preparations have been substantially concluded for the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges scheduled for July 22–24, 2026, in Abuja. The event is expected to bring together judicial officers, maritime law practitioners, regulators, academics and industry experts from Nigeria and other African countries to deliberate on issues affecting the maritime sector.

Akutah reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to deepening port economic regulation, strengthening consumer protection, accelerating digital transformation and supporting the transition to the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency once the NPERA Bill receives Presidential Assent.