NIGERIAN SHIPPERS' COUNCIL ACT

An Act establishes the Nigerian Shippers' Council to represent the interests of Nigerian cargo owners in negotiations with shipping lines and ports. It targets importers, exporters, shipping lines, and port stakeholders. This protects shippers from unfair practices and promotes efficient cargo movement.

What Is This Policy?

An Act establishing the Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) as the body representing the interests of Nigerian cargo owners (shippers) in negotiations with shipping lines, ports, and freight forwarders.

Who Does It Target?

Nigerian importers and exporters (shippers) Shipping lines operating to and from Nigeria Freight forwarders and logistics companies Nigerian Ports Authority and other port stakeholders

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Protect Nigerian shippers from exploitative freight rates, arbitrary surcharges, and unfair treatment by shipping lines, while promoting efficient cargo movement.

Key Features

Shipper Representation: NSC negotiates freight rates and shipping terms on behalf of Nigerian shippers collectively. Rate Regulation: NSC reviews and challenges surcharges and rate increases by shipping lines. Dispute Resolution: Provides a forum for resolving disputes between shippers and carriers. Port User Committee: NSC participates in port user committees ensuring shipper interests are reflected in port operations.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: Nationwide import and export trade Beneficiaries: Nigerian importers and exporters Funding: Federal Government; shipping levy

How to Access

Shippers may register with NSC to access collective negotiation benefits File complaints on unfair freight charges with NSC NSC publications on freight rates available at nsclng.org Application method: Register with NSC at https://www.nsclng.org

Important Terms

NSC has statutory authority to challenge shipping line surcharges Shippers are not obligated to join NSC but benefit from collective outcomes NSC monitors freight rate movements and publishes periodic reports

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nsclng.org Contact: Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC)

Legal Framework

Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act 2007, the Nigerian Ports Authority Act, the Merchant Shipping Act 2007, the Customs and Excise Management Act, and the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation for port logistics.