DailyFocus,17 April,2020.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has directed shipping companies to suspend demurrage charges during the period of the COVID-19 lockdown with effect from 30th March 2020.
This strictly applies to cargo that was discharged at the terminals from the 30th of March 2020.
The Council reiterated that suspension of demurrage during this period is an incentive for owners of cargo to accelerate the process of taking delivery of their cargo.
The economic port regulator maintained that erring shippers will be sanctioned in addition to having to pay the demurrage due on their cargoes.
The statement reads : “In line with the presidential directive that port operations are essential services, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has been monitoring activities to ensure that seaports run efficiently and smoothly within the present circumstances, and in compliance with the existing health and safety guidelines for the prevention and containment of the spread of COVID-19.
