Maritime

Shippers’ Council Stays Action On Tariffs Reversal

Published

11 years ago

November 7, 2014

The Nigerian Shippers’

Council (NSC) has said it would comply with a Federal High Court order which restrained it from implementing a notice reversing storage charges at the seaports.
The Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the NSC, Mr Ignatius Nweke told our correspondent in Lagos that it would not do anything to undermine the judiciary.
“Yes, as a law-abiding government agency, we will abide with the court order,” he said.
It will be recalled that members of the Association of Shipping Line Agencies (ASLA) had on last Friday, secured a court injunction restraining the NSC from acting upon a notice it published.
The notice indicated a reduction in the shipping lines’ agency charges among others.
The members of the association include, Alraine Shipping Agencies, Cross Marine Services, CMA CGM Delmas, Comet Shipping Services, Grimaldi Agency and Gulf Agency.
The others are Hull Blyth Nigeria Ltd, Lagos and Niger Shipping Agencies, Maersk Nigeria Ltd, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Mitsui OSK Lines, PIL Nigeria Ltd and Sharaf Shipping Agency.
The suit number FHC/L/CS/1646/2014 was filed on behalf of ALSA and its members by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Chidi Ilogu.
Justice Ibrahim Buba, who granted the order, had earlier granted a similar order in favour of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN).
The order was to restrain the Council from implementing a notice reversing storage charges at the nation’s seaports.
Buba gave his ruling on an ex-parte motion brought before him on behalf of the terminal operators by their counsel Mr Femi Atoyebi (SAN) and Mrs Funke Agbor.
He granted an injunction restraining the NSC and/or its agents from implementing the reversal order pending determination of the substantive suit.
He adjourned the matter to November 10 for further hearing.
It will also be recalled that the NSC had on Wednesday last week, published an advertisement announcing the reversal of storage charges at the ports.
NSC also ordered an increase in the free storage period at the port from three days to seven days.
The council equally directed shipping companies to reduce their shipping line agency charges from N26,500 to N23,850 per TEU and from N48,000 to N40,000 per FEU.
It also directed shipping agencies to refund container deposits to importers and agents within 10 working days after the return of the empty containers.

L-R: General Manager, Sustainable Development, SPDC, Mr. Nero Osayande, Govts and Communities Relations Manager, Bayelsa and Delta, Mr. Evans Krukrubo, with Chairman Agbidiama CT. Hon. Emmanuel Fungewei during the commissioning of Agbidiama Landing Craft and SPDC. Marine Base, Kidney Island Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Egberi .A. Sampson

Maritime

Customs Kaduna Command Generates ?5b Revenue In Oct

Published

2 weeks ago

November 10, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kaduna Area Command, has achieved a new revenue milestone, generating ?5.16 billion in October 2025

The Area Command said the feat was the highest monthly revenue ever recorded.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Ridwan Yusuf, revealed this in a Statement made available to Journalists

The figure, Yusuf said, represent 96 per cent increase above the monthly target and a 196 per cent target performance.

Yusuf said that the command collected ?39.79 billion between January and October 2025, compared with ?24.06 billion generated during the same period in 2024 reflecting a substantial year,on year growth.

the Area Controller, Comptroller Saad Hassan, attributed the record performance to the dedication and professionalism of officers and stakeholders, in line with the modernisation agenda of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.

He identified improved stakeholders’ engagement, digitalisation of excise operations, and enhanced officers’ motivation as key factors driving the Command’s success.

“The Command’s performance demonstrates the effectiveness of our current operational strategies and our unwavering commitment to national economic stability,” Hassan said.

He assured that the command would continue to sustain the momentum by facilitating legitimate trade and improving revenue collection mechanisms.

The Command also reaffirmed its resolve to uphold professionalism and integrity in line with the service’s overall mission of trade facilitation and economic growth.

By; Chinedu Wosu

Maritime

NSC Facilitate Release Of 90 Imported Containers From Maritime Police

Published

2 weeks ago

November 10, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Shippers’Council(NSC), through its Complaints Unit, has successfully facilitated the release of 90 imported containers from the Maritime Police Command

The containers were released between Monday, 27th to Friday 31st October, 2025.

Speaking during the compilation and review of Case by Case Study Session held at the Complaints Unit, the Head, Complaints Unit, Dr. Bashir Ambi Mohammed, reiterated the importance of proper documentation of all Maritime Police related disputes.

He stated tha the NSC’s intervention aligns with internationally recognized frameworks such as the International Maritime Organisation IMO’s Facilitation Convention (FAL), promoting efficient clearance of goods and reduction of administrative bottlenecks.

The other is the UNCTAD Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), emphasizing faster release of cargoes and reduced transaction costs.

Also is the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards, ensuring secure and transparent supply chain operations.

Ambi Mohammed added that through these coordinated efforts, the Council ensures reduced Container Dwell Time as well as improving terminal throughput.

According to him, the efforts so far has minimized Demurrage and Storage Costs thereby protecting shippers’ financial interests.

It further enhanced Inter-Agency Cooperation and Improved Supply Chain Visibility, which he said collectively contributes to Nigeria’s goal of achieving World Class Port Efficiency and Global Competitiveness in Maritime Trade.

By: Chinedu Wosu

Maritime

Shipper’s Council Advocates Sensitization Of Staff On NSITF Scheme

Published

2 weeks ago

November 10, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has called for proper Sensitization of staff on the proposed insurance scheme by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, NSC, Akutah Pius, made the call while playing host to a courtesy visit by NSITF officials to his office, in Lagos.

Represented by Director of Human Resources Management, Alhaji Mustapha Zubairu, Akutah emphasized the Nigeria Shipper’s Council commitment to prioritizing staff insurance and health, citing existing policies with positive impacts on employees’ lives.

He requested NSITF to strengthen its legal framework to enable the NSC to fully benefit from the scheme.

Earlier, the Team Head, NSITF’ Adegbite Oludotun said that the organization provides compensation for insured government employees in case of injury, disability, or death during active service.

While commending the NSC for registering with the scheme, Oludotun assured adequate compensation for employee claims and safety.

By: Chinedu Wosu