Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) recovered over N197 billion from shippers and other port users in 2025 from disputes related to arbitrary charges, container deposit refunds, demurrage and detention, cargo damage, documentation errors, non-delivery of cargo and other port service infractions.

The NSC, in its quarterly newsletters for 2025, disclosed that the recoveries were made through its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework, which successfully resolved 108 complaints, mainly lodged against shipping companies and their agents.

The breakdown of the recoveries from January to March showed that the Council recovered over N62.8 million and $15,964 (about N24.4 million) for port users following interventions on 41 complaints received within the period.

This brought the total value recovered in the quarter to approximately N87.2 million.
According to the NSC, out of the 41 complaints, 22 were resolved, 14 were ongoing, four were placed on “Keep in View” (KIV) status, and one was closed.
Most complaints were lodged against shipping companies and their agents, with arbitrary charges and container deposit refund disputes ranking highest.

Further breakdown showed that between April and June, the Council recorded its highest quarterly savings, recovering over N175.8 billion and $30,000 (about N45.9 million) for stakeholders through dispute resolution.

The council received 40 complaints and resolved 21, while 18 remained ongoing and one was closed without resolution within the quarter.

Also, between July and September, Council recovered over N2.059 billion through interventions on complaints involving container deposit refunds, demurrage and detention, cargo damage, missing containers and documentation lapses.

Out of 46 complaints received, 26 were successfully resolved, with the remaining cases undergoing further verification.

However, from October to December, the NSC recovered over N16.3 million and $39,779.02 (about N60.8 million) on behalf of port users, while resolving 39 out of 56 complaints received within the period.

According to the data, 14 cases remained ongoing, two were closed and one was classified as keep in view (KIV) within the period.

The NSC stressed that the interventions align with its statutory mandate to safeguard shippers’ interests, promote transparency and improve efficiency in port operations.

The country urged stakeholders to continue bringing grievances forward for prompt redress, rather than taking laws into their own hands.