”…We treat only receipted claims, it is a win-win intervention.”… NSC Tells Complainant.
… ”We are grateful”…. Consignee.
In its commitment to reducing complaints within the industry, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council recently intervened and amicably resolved a dispute brought by Gabthop Exclusive Resources Ltd., a Car dealer, against 5-Star Logistics Terminal and Clarion Shipping Worldwide. The complaint concerned severe damages to their imported Mercedes Benz GLE 2017 model, with a final determined value of N50,438,988.08.
Dr. Bashir Ambi, Head of the Council’s Complaints Unit, opened the meeting on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D. He welcomed the parties and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to fair intervention, in line with international Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) principles. In conformity with the Council’s succession plan, an Assistant Chief, Operations Officer, Hassan Aminu, was requested to preside over the tripartite meeting.
Aminu began by outlining the rules of engagement for the NSC’s dispute resolution process for stakeholders. He then requested the case handler, Senior Legal Officer Musa Mohammed, to provide an overview of the complaint.
Mohammed informed the meeting that the Council had received a complaint from Gabthop Exclusive Resources Ltd. against 5-Star Logistics Terminal and Clarion Shipping West Africa. The complainant alleged that they had purchased a Mercedes Benz GLE 43 AMG 2017 with Chassis Number: 4JGED6BITHA070261 in a “run and drive” condition. However, upon arrival at Five Star Logistics Terminal for clearance and delivery, they found the vehicle in a severely damaged state.
Both terminals were represented at the meeting by Anson E. Chibogu, Esq (5-Star Claims Manager), and Nwando Okoye (Clarion Customer Care Manager).
5-Star Logistics Terminal stated that the vessel M/V Lake Geneva, Voy. 25LG01, arrived on June 4, 2025. They confirmed that the vehicle was transferred in good condition (run and drive) to the Clarion Terminal with only minimal damage to its bumper. They later received a damage report from the customer via their principal, Sallaum Line, and initiated an investigation. The investigation revealed that the extensive damage to the rooftop and windshield was physically sighted at the Off-Dock Terminal operated by Clarion Shipping West Africa Ltd. 5-Star also mentioned that the complainant’s lawyer had previously sent a petition alleging negligence, dereliction of duty, and willful malicious damage, with a claim of N120 million. 5-Star confirmed that it had held Clarion Shipping liable and was processing the claim through its insurance for third-party restitution. They had also informed the complainant’s solicitor that the claim was receiving attention.
In its response, Clarion Shipping admitted that the vehicle was transported via barge to their terminal and was involved in an accident during the discharge process. Clarion requested the Council’s intervention to have the complainant state an exact amount for a settlement.
After thorough deliberations lasting nearly four hours, during which shipping documents, Customs Duty receipts, and other claims were verified, the meeting reached the following resolutions: that
1.The Nigerian Shippers’ Council affirmed that a Mercedes Benz GLE 2017 model was shipped from the USA and entrusted to Five Star Logistics Terminal, Tincan Island Port, Lagos.
2.Five Star Logistics Terminal affirmed that the vehicle was discharged at their terminal with limited damages.
3.Five Star Logistics Terminal confirmed, via its email to the NSC dated July 25, 2025, at 9:28 a.m., that the unit was reported to have extensive damage to the rooftop and windshield, which was physically sighted at the Off-Dock Terminal.
4.Clarion Shipping West Africa confirmed that the vehicle was conveyed via barge to their terminal and was involved in an accident during its discharge.
5.The Council disagreed with the complainant’s request of N80,000,000 for the value of the vehicle and N20,000,000 for damages.
6.Based on available documents, the vehicle’s value was determined to be $23,545 at an exchange rate of N1,700 at the time of the transaction.
7.The meeting also confirmed that the complainant incurred the following expenses:
Freight: $1,500 Trucking: $950
Duty Paid: N6,004,138
Shipping Charges: N79,540.76
Terminal Charges: N163,780.04
Total: N50,438,958.08
8.In view of the aforementioned, and relying on its mandate, the Council directed Five Star Logistics Terminal and Clarion Shipping West Africa to jointly pay the sum of N50,438,958.08 (Fifty Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty-Eight Naira, and Eight Kobo).
9.The NSC informed the complainant that the Council’s resolutions are based on the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) principle of a “win-win” solution, aligning with its belief in trade facilitation and ease of doing business.
10.The complainant was advised to register with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
11.The complainant was advised to continue patronizing the terminals, as they have pending shipments with Five Star Logistics Terminal.
All parties expressed their gratitude for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s intervention.
