By Efe Onodjae 

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, has disclosed that the Council protected over N90.60 billion and $1.348 million in economic value for Nigerian shippers and the nation’s economy through regulatory interventions and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Speaking at a media engagement with maritime editors and reporters in Lagos on Saturday, Dr. Akutah said the achievement was recorded between his assumption of office in November 2023 and the second quarter of 2026.

The speech, which was read on his behalf at the event, stated that the Council prevented N86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage payments while also securing savings of N4.54 billion and $1.348 million through Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, and other regulatory interventions.

According to him, “Within the period under review, the Council protected over N90.60 billion and US$1.348 million in economic value for Nigerian shippers and the national economy. This includes preventing N86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage payments and securing savings of N4.54 billion and US$1.348 million through Alternative Dispute Resolution and regulatory interventions.”

He explained that the Council received 558 complaints within the review period and successfully resolved 295 commercial disputes, covering issues such as container deposits, demurrage, detention charges, terminal charges, cargo claims and export fraud.

Dr. Akutah noted that the Council also concluded several out-of-court settlements involving major shipping companies, including APM Terminals Nigeria Limited, CMA CGM and Maersk Nigeria Limited, over charges collected above approved tariffs, thereby reducing litigation and protecting the interests of Nigerian shippers.

Highlighting key regulatory reforms, he said the Council harmonised bonded terminal invoice charges, reducing billing categories from 18 to six to eliminate duplication and improve transparency.

He added that terminal operators had been directed to publicly display approved tariffs, while shipping companies were mandated to establish holding bays outside the ports to ease the return of empty containers and reduce congestion along port access roads.

The NSC boss further disclosed that the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency, NPERA, Bill had been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and is awaiting Presidential assent.

According to him, the proposed legislation would establish an independent port economic regulator with enhanced powers to regulate tariffs, service standards, competition and commercial conduct across Nigerian ports.

He also revealed that the Council secured statutory funding through the 2025 Appropriation Act for the first time since its establishment in 1978, describing the development as a major milestone that would strengthen effective port economic regulation.

On trade facilitation, Dr. Akutah said the Council had continued to support the implementation of the National Single Window project and resolved outstanding issues delaying the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note, ICTN.

He maintained that both initiatives would simplify cargo clearance processes, improve cargo visibility, strengthen supply chain security and reduce the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports.

The Executive Secretary also said the Council continued to expand trade infrastructure through Inland Dry Ports, Vehicle Transit Areas and Border Information Centres across the country to facilitate seamless cargo movement and improve regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.