……” Immaterial. Debit consignee’s account, release container within 24 hours.” — NSC
” We appreciate.” — Consignee
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) recently intervened in a complaint lodged by Grand Fiducia Ltd, located on Gadon Kaya Street, Kano, against Maersk Shipping Nigeria for the non-release of their 1X40FT container, despite full payment having been made for nearly two weeks.
The Complainant, Grand Fiducia Ltd, represented by Alhaji Mohammed Kabiru, reported that Maersk Shipping had withheld their container—TLLU-8291151, under Bill of Lading No. MAEUAPU113751—for 13 days. During this period, the following payments were made to the Shipping Company: N147,597.50 for destination certificate charges, among others. (Receipt No: 1300904770), N1,104,062.62 as initial detention charges. N445,179.00 as additional detention charges.
Despite these payments, the container was still not released. Maersk Shipping claimed the delay was due to a “short payment of one kobo (₦0.01)”, citing an automated accounting system that flagged the discrepancy.
Dr. Bashir Ambi, Head Complaints Unit, promptly led his team to the Maersk Shipping Customer Care office at APM Terminals, Apapa Port, where extensive discussions were held with Mr. Eyo Ezekiel Emmanuel of Maersk Shipping.
Following the meeting, Dr. Ambi instructed the Shipping Company to debit the one kobo from the consignee’s account and release the container within 24 hours, stating: “This is immaterial, especially considering the substantial detention charges already paid. The carrier will also be required to refund any avoidable charges incurred by the consignee as a result of this unnecessary delay.”
The consignee expressed appreciation to the Council for its timely and effective intervention.
