Latest news with #NigerianPorts
Zawya
29-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Agents demand fee removal of container deposits by Maersk, MSC, others
Clearing agents operating at the nation's ports have called on other foreign shipping companies to stop the collection of Container Deposits Fee from importers during cargo clearance processes. Recall that French shipping liner, CMA CGM recently announced that it has stopped the collection of Container Deposits Fee from importers with effect from 21st of May, 2025. Reacting to the decision by CMA CGM to cancel Container Deposit Fee collection, a former acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr. Kayode Farinto, in an exclusive chat with the Nigerian Tribune, explained that it is already part of the recommendations submitted to the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) during a stakeholders engagement, and that it is already embedded in the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill. According to Farinto, 'CMA CGM only tried to beat what was coming. The law that will stop all shipping companies from collecting Container Deposits Fee is already in the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill which is already on the table of Mr. President for accent. 'So, CMA CGM got wind of this and quickly played along by stopping the collection of the fee from importers. I am surprised that Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) are still slamming such charges on importers. 'When Mr. President finally accents to the Bill, all the shipping companies will have no choice but to stop the collection of such charges because there will be a penalty for such. By then, it would have become mandatory for all of them to stop the collection of such charges.' In a formal communication to the Council, CMA CGM attributed the decision to valuable customer feedback received over the years. 'Over the years, we have heard your feedback regarding the Container Deposit process, and we are pleased to announce that effective May 21, 2025, we have removed the container deposit requirement for all new bookings. 'In place of the deposit, we have enhanced our documentation and verification process to ensure secure and efficient service. A checklist will be shared via our usual communication channels for your guidance. 'This change is designed to streamline operations, reduce financial strain, and simplify logistics for you. This adjustment further aligns with our commitment to ensuring a more seamless experience for your business,' a CMA CGM statement read
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Shippers Council saves $19mln through automation of demurrage, freight rate
Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) has highlighted its impressive performance and called for critical policy and funding reforms at the just concluded 2025 Sectoral Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The NSC's Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Pius Akutah, disclosed that the council saved the Federal Government over N31 billion between January and June 2024 through automation of demurrage, freight rate, and charter party verification. According to a statement ,Dr. Akutah also showcased the council's achievements, including the commissioning of the Funtua Inland Dry Port, top-ranking performance in the 2024 ICPC Ethics and Integrity Scorecard, the launch of online registration portals for port users and service providers and the development of the Trade and Transport Data Bank now nearing completion. He emphasized the need for swift passage of the Nigerian Port Regulatory Agency Bill and consistent access to statutory funding. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola who declared the retreat open, stated that the Marine and Blue Economy sector had been placed at the forefront of the Federal Government growth agenda and that agencies must respond with measurable performance and improved service delivery. The Minister also noted several milestones achievements over the year, such as modernization of port infrastructure, steady improvement in port efficiency, progress on the National Single Window, commencement of Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund disbursement, noting that the recent approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, marked a new phase in the sectorial development.
