Shippers’ Council and NRS seek waivers for importers hit by port delays
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Nigeria Revenue Service are urging shipping companies and terminal operators to grant waivers to importers and clearing agents affected by recent port delays. The delays are linked to the rollout of the National Single Window (NSW) system at Nigeria’s seaports. Stakeholders, including industry leaders and shipping firms, met to discuss the challenges and potential solutions. Calls for collaboration and temporary relief measures were emphasized to ease the financial burden on those impacted.
TLDR
- The Nigerian Shippers’ Council and Nigeria Revenue Service asked for waivers on demurrage and storage charges due to delays from the National Single Window system.
- The NSW, which went live on March 27, aims to streamline port processes but has caused initial operational challenges.
- Dr Pius Akutah of the NSC highlighted the need for collective action to address teething problems and ensure smooth implementation.
- Dr Zach Adedeji of the NRS urged shipping companies to support importers and clearing agents with relief measures during the transition.
- Stakeholders acknowledged the NSW’s long-term benefits but stressed the importance of addressing current technical and operational issues.
