COVID-19: Ports demurrage refund, NSC urges importers to report offenders

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Amidst the novel coronavirus that has almost brought global businesses to a halt, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), has called on freight forwarders still experiencing difficulties in claiming their demurrage charges refund to contact the council.

NSC said it has made available help lines with  which it could be contacted.

In a press statement by the council to the general  public, signed by Rakiya Zubairu, Head, Public Relations of the regulatory agency, it commended the shipping companies for complying with the suspension of demurrage on cargoes, added that it was a testament to their goodwill towards Nigeria and its economy.

Apapa Port

It will be recalled that at the wake of the global COVID 19 Lockdown, NSC made appeal to shipping companies to suspend demurrage charges on cargoes that arrived the port between March 30 and May 3.

The statement reads in part, “Nigerian Shippers’ Council has commended the shipping companies for their cooperation in complying with the suspension of demurrage on cargoes that landed on terminals from March 30, 2020 up to May 3, 2020.

“This is a testament to their goodwill towards Nigeria and its economy.

“However, it has come to the notice of the Management of the Council that some freight forwarders and shippers have difficulties with regard to the issue of refund of demurrage charges and are still billed despite the suspension.

“Such persons are encouraged to contact the Council through the Helplines and e-mail addresses published on the NSC website (www.shipperscouncil.gov.ng) and other social media handles,” it concluded.