The Nigerian Shippers’ Council says it recovered more than ₦197 billion for shippers and port users in 2025 through regulatory interventions and dispute resolution mechanisms.

The council said the recoveries were achieved largely through its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework, which addressed disputes involving arbitrary charges, delayed container deposit refunds, demurrage and detention, cargo damage, documentation errors and non-delivery of cargo.

According to the Executive Secretary of the council, Pius Akutah, the recoveries reinforce the agency’s mandate to protect shippers and promote transparency within Nigeria’s maritime industry.

In a statement issued in Lagos through the council’s Public Relations Office, Akutah disclosed that the council received 183 complaints from port users across the four quarters of 2025, reflecting continued engagement by maritime stakeholders seeking regulatory intervention.

Dispute Resolution Drives Recoveries

Of the total complaints received during the year, 108 cases were successfully resolved through the ADR mechanism.

Most of the disputes were filed against shipping companies and their agents, with the largest number relating to arbitrary port charges and delays in container deposit refunds.

The council said the ADR framework remains a key regulatory tool for resolving conflicts between port service providers and cargo owners without resorting to lengthy litigation.

Quarterly Breakdown of Recoveries

A review of the council’s quarterly performance shows varying levels of recoveries throughout the year.

During the first quarter (January–March), the council recovered over ₦62.8 million and $15,964 (about ₦24.4 million), bringing total recoveries for the quarter to roughly ₦87.2 million. Out of 41 complaints received, 22 were resolved while others remained under investigation.

The second quarter (April–June) recorded the highest recovery during the year, with more than ₦175.8 billion and $30,000 recovered for stakeholders. During this period, the council received 40 complaints, resolving 21 cases.

Between July and September, the council recovered over ₦2.059 billion through interventions on disputes involving container deposits, demurrage and documentation lapses.

The fourth quarter (October–December) recorded recoveries of more than ₦16.3 million and $39,779.02, while 39 of the 56 complaints received during the quarter were resolved.

Overall, the council maintained that its interventions were strictly aligned with its statutory responsibility to protect the interests of Nigerian shippers and improve transparency within port operations.

Akutah urged port users to continue reporting service infractions and disputes to the council for prompt regulatory intervention.

BRANDECONOMY Insight

The recovery of nearly ₦197 billion for port users highlights the increasingly strategic role of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as Nigeria’s port economic regulator.

1. Tackling Arbitrary Port Charges

For decades, Nigerian ports have faced persistent complaints about arbitrary charges, container deposit disputes and excessive demurrage. Stronger regulatory enforcement is gradually addressing these long-standing inefficiencies.

2. Alternative Dispute Resolution as a Regulatory Tool

The council’s ADR framework demonstrates how institutional dispute resolution mechanisms can deliver faster outcomes for businesses compared to litigation, which often delays cargo clearance and increases costs.

3. Efficiency as Nigeria’s Maritime Growth Lever

As Nigeria seeks to position itself as a regional maritime hub under initiatives such as the National Single Window system, improving transparency and reducing port disputes will be critical to attracting trade flows and logistics investment.

If sustained, stronger regulatory oversight could significantly improve Nigeria’s port competitiveness within West and Central Africa’s maritime trade corridors.