Nigeria Shippers’ Council has encouraged all freight forwarders and Shippers that have difficulties with regard to the issue of refund of demurrage charges and are still billed despite the suspension to contact the Council through the Helplines.
As stated in a press release signed by the Council head of Public Relation, Rakiya Zubairu, it reads that “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”.
Recalled that at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic which necessitated the partial lockdown of the country, Federal government has exempted the port industry from the shutdown.
However, the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), had directed the Terminal operators and shipping companies to grant waivers covering 35 days on demurrage and other storage charges as a form of palliatives for importers and their agents.
But surprisingly the terminal operators allegedly failed to comply in line with the directive of the Federal Governmentwhich prompted the Freight forwarders to embarked on strike yesterday Thursday after due consultation.
