By Godfrey Bivbere

The nation’s ports economic regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has recovered consignments seized by a terminal operator, just as it reclaimed others alleged to have been declared missing.

One of the terminal operators specializing in Roll-on-Roll-Off (RORO)  cargo operations (names withheld) had  in September seized some consignments for alleged fraud by  some vehicles importers.

According to an online publication, Shipping Day, “the terminal operator in apparent anger had seized other goods which were said to have no connection with the alleged fraud.

“Following this, the company handling the clearance had petitioned the Shippers’ Council for intervention, particularly in getting the terminal operator to release the goods that had no bearing with the alleged fraud.

“After series of meetings with all the parties concerned, the terminal operator was asked to release the vehicles which were declared as having no connection with the alleged fraud.

“However, those who were involved in the alleged fraud were compelled to pay back what were supposed to be fees to the terminal operators.

“An official of the company (names withheld) while commending the Ports Regulator for the release of the seized goods said those who were involved in the alleged fraud, mainly car dealers, have promised to settle the fees owed the terminal operator.

“The company had also pleaded with the Ports Regulator to assist in getting the terminal operator to unblock the agency’s license so that it will continue to do business.

“Similarly, a firm of maritime lawyers (names withheld), it was gathered, has also commended the Ports Regulator for settling the case of a missing 2x40ft container Numbers: TRLU5787637/CN0056774 and NYKS2310786390 at one of the terminals in Lagos.

“The firm, it was gathered, had written the Ports Regulator that the terminal operator has settled 85 percent of the conditions stipulated by the Council during the meeting of all the parties in Apapa.

“According to a source, the importer of the containers has since taken delivery after the terminal operator paid N1million as a compensation to the importer to enable him offset the shipping line demurrage.

“Importers and freight forwarders who have problems with shipping service providers at the ports have always looked on to the Shippers’ Council as Ports Regulator for intervention.

“Equally, shipping service providers had last year said they will rely on the Ports Regulator to protect its interest in the ports, particularly in relation with the responsibilities of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as the landlord of the ports,” Shipping Day stated.