The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), June 17, 2026 convened a tripartite resolution meeting and successfully resolved a dispute involving Mr. Shina Amosun, Managing Director of Multi Graphic Advertising Company (the Complainant/Importer), Jecmek Divine International Logistics (FreightForwardingFirm), and Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited. The meeting was held at 3rd Floor, General Services Department Meeting Room.
The conflict centered on the ocean freight and consolidation mode of an import Consignment consisting of approximately 50 cubic meters (CBM) of Beach Umbrellas shipped from China to Nigeria. According to the Complainant, the Cargo was contracted to be transported as a dedicated Full Container Load (FCL) in a 40ft Container. However, upon arrival at the Port in Lagos, the Consignee discovered that the shipment had instead been handled as a consolidated Less-than-Container Load (LCL), popularly known as Groupage Cargo.
This variance in shipment mode subjected the importer to unexpected ocean freight, Customs clearance adjustments, and ancillary logistics charges totaling ₦27,132,000 (approximately ₦450,000 per CBM). The Complainant alleged that this conversion from FCL to LCL occurred without his authorization or knowledge, pointing out that the final delivery documentation differed drastically from standard FCL paperwork.
Welcoming participants on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq., MON, FCILT, the Head, Complaints Unit, Dr. Bashir Ambi Mohammed, emphasized that the regulatory objective of the mediation session was to uncover the operational factors behind the unbudgeted secondary charges and ensure an equitable resolution in line with the Council’s consumer protection mandate.
In accordance with the NSC’s administrative procedures, Dr. Ambi designated Mr. Muyideen Saba to chair the session, while the Case Handler, Mary Oyinlola Samuel (Operations Officer), presented the formal case brief.
Mary Oyinlola elaborated that the Complainant had instructed his supplier/manufacturer in China to book the Cargo space through Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited. However, upon arrival, the Cargo was instead found to be under the care of Jecmek Divine International Logistics (FreightForwarding Firm). When the importer requested for Bill of Lading (BL) to verify the FCL status, he was informed that the Cargo had been consolidated. He was subsequently issued a Waybill and Packing List reflective of LCL terminal and handling fees.
- Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited denied any contractual involvement or privity of contract. The Carrier clarified that it had no affiliation with a foreign booking agent identified as “Jessica,” stating she was neither an employee nor an authorized representative of the line in China.
- Jecmek Divine International Logistics (Freight Forwarding Firm) absolved Clarion Shipping of liability, tendering formal Master Bill of Lading (MBL) and House Bill of Lading (HBL) proving they were the primary contracting freight forwarder. Jecmek explained that their overseas Cargo consolidator in China had sought clarification from the factory, which explicitly stated that the goods were to be consolidated with other Consignments. In addition, Jecmek noted that localized ex-factory cost adjustments and Standard Customs Valuation Reassessments by the Nigeria Customs Service significantly contributed to the final invoice.
Addressing this, Dr. Bashir Ambi noted that Administrative Duty Value Reassessments by Customs Area Commands, often driven by market intelligence and national revenue targets, are recognized operational realities in the Nigerian maritime domain. However, the Council firmly pointed out that logistics service providers must not misrepresent localized Cargo revaluations as newly introduced federal tariff policies, as this violates the Industry Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Principles of Transparency and Fair Commercial Trade Practices.
Following an exhaustive review of the ocean transport documentation, waybills, booking notes, and oral representations, the meeting established that a legitimate commercial contract existed between the Complainant and Jecmek Divine International Logistics. The meeting concluded that a profound communication breakdown between the Consignee, the Chinese supplier, and the Origin Cargo Consolidators regarding the intended mode of shipment (FCL vs. LCL) was the root cause of the financial dispute and subsequent Cargo deadlock.
To protect the commercial interests of both parties, the meeting after elongated deliberations reached the following binding resolutions that:
- The NSC formally affirmed that the Cargo was processed, manifested, and transported as a Groupage (LCL) arrangement by Jecmek Divine International Logistics.
- The Council established that a structural communication breakdown occurred between Multi Graphic Advertising Company, the supplier in China, and the logistics consolidators regarding the shipping specifications of the 50 CBM Cargo.
- To facilitate an immediate and amicable closure, the Council reviewed the line-item costs and directed the Complainant, Mr. Shina Amosun, to pay a revised, flat sum of ₦19,000,000 to Jecmek Divine International Logistics. This serves as full and final settlement for all freight charges, Customs clearance fees, terminal delivery orders, duties, and related logistics costs, down from the initial demand of ₦27,132,000. Payment must be executed on or before June 25, 2026, with proof of remittance filed with the Council.
- Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited was advised to review and amend its digital, physical, marketing and promotional materials to accurately reflects its authorized overseas network, representatives, and global business partners. A copy of the updated operational brochure including flyer must be submitted to the Council on or before June 30, 2026.
- The Council commended Jecmek Divine International Logistics for its corporate transparency during the dispute resolution and strongly urged the firm to finalize its statutory registration as a regulated port service provider with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
- Both parties were encouraged to preserve their commercial relationship by adopting standardized Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) and transparent, written shipping instructions in future transactions to eliminate documentation discrepancies.
