Driving the Blue Economy agenda, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council successfully brokered a resolution on March 24 to end a long-standing deadlock between the TCN and 52global shipping giants.
This strategic intervention resolves ongoing cargo disputes and prevents further delays of essential power equipment, ensuring a streamlined flow of national shipments and reduced port congestion.
The mediation, hosted at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) headquarters in Lagos, targeted critical bottlenecks, including delayed shipments, mounting demurrage charges, and communication gaps between the TCN and global shipping giants such as PIL, CMA CGM, ONE, COSCO, and LANSAL.
Representing the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D., the Head Complaints Unit, Dr. Bashir Ambi, welcomed participants by emphasizing the urgent need for an amicable resolution to prevent further operational infraction. He urged all stakeholders to move beyond dialogue into action, demanding strengthened collaboration and strict adherence to the foundational agreements established in August 2025. Key issues included:
- Persistent Systemic Glitches: Delays originating from the B’Odogwu digital Customs Platform.
- Financial Friction: Mounting demurrage (liquidated damages for container delays) and unpaid freight charges.
- Operational Blacklisting: Carriers such as Ocean Network Express (ONE) had previously suspended services to TCN due transaction defaults.
The Executive Director, Finance of TCN, Mr. Ochije O. Chucks, who led the TCN delegation, commended the Council’s intervention, noting that earlier mediation efforts had facilitated the release of shipments and prevented the blacklisting of TCN by Shipping Companies. The ED (Finance was accompanied by the TCN Director of Engineering, Engr. Akintola M.A, Head of Internal Audit, Mrs. L.B. Yusuf, others from TCN are: Engr. Aluko Joshua, Dare Adekunle, and Akinwande Friday.
Also in attendance were Rhoda Afolabi, the Managing Director of LAGACE POWER, was also present because they complained about one of the Shipping Companies and the terminals.
COSCO Shipping, represented by Esther Uche and Shadrack Ogeigbe, raised alarms over four outstanding shipments that remain undelivered despite prior alerts. Conversely, TCN maintained that all obligations were met, including the payment of over ₦2 billion in Customs Duties. Despite this, COSCO continues to hold 119 Containers, even though TCN has confirmed duty payments for 104 of them.
Representing PIL Shipping, Mr. Vincent Opreh tabled their operational challenges and formally requested the Shippers’ Council’s intervention.
Similarly, Mr. David Audu of Ocean Network Express (ONE) noted that his firm had already blacklisted TCN due to previous transaction defaults, warning that they were left with no alternative.
The session also addressed the grievances of CMA-CGM, represented by Mr. Uche Amogu, while Lagos & Niger Shipping (LANSAL) was represented by Messrs. Joseph Amadi and Ejiankeh Emmanuel.
The Council provided immediate mediation for their concerns, moving all parties toward a synchronized resolution to stabilize national power infrastructure logistics
Similarly, apart from the abandonment of Containers, both CMA CGM and PIL, stressed the need for improved documentation processes and timely responses from TCN and its contractors to prevent unnecessary delays and financial losses. Concerns were also raised about previously auctioned Containers and the accumulation of demurrage.
TCN, in its response, reiterated its national mandate to ensure a stable electricity supply, arguing that delays in releasing critical equipment hinder efforts to improve power delivery across the Country. The Company pledged to enhance communication with Shipping Firms and ensure contractors comply with required procedures.
Following extensive deliberations, the NSC announced a set of resolutions aimed at addressing the challenges and fostering smoother operations within the maritime logistics chain.
To ensure the seamless flow of “Project Cargo” and decongest the ports. The meeting reached the following resolutions that:
1. For Immediate Cargo Release: NSC directs COSCO Shipping Nigeria to release forty (40) newly cleared TCN Containers on or before Friday, March 27, 2026.
2. For Formal Reconciliation: TCN will submit a formal appeal to COSCO regarding 119 new Containers currently delayed at the port. The letter must detail TCN’s mandate, address challenges (including B-Odogwu issues not attributable to COSCO), and reference the outcomes of this mediation.
3. For Liaison Integration: All Shipping Companies must appoint a Dedicated Liaison Officer to coordinate with TCN/NSC and be integrated into a joint NSC-TCN communication platform immediately for real-time troubleshooting.
4. For Debt Liquidation & Waivers: Transmission Company of Nigeria is directed to expedite the payment of ₦245 million owed to PIL (covering 15X20ft, 4X40ft, and 14X40ft Containers). Concurrently, Shipping Lines are urged to consider waivers of accrued demurrage in the national interest.
5. For Protection of National Assets: No Shipping Company shall place a lien on any TCN-owned Containers, ensuring the unhindered flow of critical national infrastructure equipment.
6. For Bilateral Engagement: Transmission Company of Nigeria and all Shipping Lines are committed to a framework of ongoing dialogue to proactively resolve outstanding logistical challenges.
7. For Performance Documentation: Shipping Companies whose grievances were resolved during this session are encouraged to submit Letters of Appreciation to the NSC, documenting the successful resolution of TCN-related infractions.
8. For Direct Channel Protocol: Stakeholders are advised to bypass third-party clearing agents on matters of infractions, engaging directly with TCN/NSC personnel. Companies may, however, maintain standard verification procedures for clearing agents where necessary to reduce communication gaps.
9. For Market Stability: NSC appeals to all Stakeholders to maintain robust commercial relationships and continue patronizing the global lines operating within the Nigerian waters.
10. For Resolution of Auctioned Cargo: Regarding the 15 Containers inadvertently excluded from the August 2025 resolution and subsequently auctioned, CMA-CGM is requested to conduct a final review within one (1) week. TCN’s ED of Finance will provide the necessary formal justification to finalize this settlement.
