Connect with us

Headlines

Shippers’ Council scolds ICNL over negligence, slams the ICD operator with 70 percent refund of cost of damaged export put at $104,111, N1.653m

—absolves NDLEA, Maersk line of blame as ICNL pleads for mercy 
Funso OLOJO 
The Nigerian Shippers’Council has slammed Inland Container Nigeria Limited (ICNL), an operator of Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP), the ICD facility in Kaduna, with a penalty for refund of the cost of export damaged through its negligence.
The exporter of the damaged export, who had used the facility of the ICNL to export agricultural produce, Cowpea black eye beans to the United Arab Emirates(UAE), Dubai, has petitioned the NSC over the damage he suffered in the transaction due to the alleged negligence and delay caused by  ICNL and the MAERSKLINE shipping.
The exporter, the Managing Director of USBAB MULTI CHOICE LTD, Mr. Usman Baba Ahmad,  has put the cost of the damage at  $104,111.75, while the total terminal and documentation cost was N1,653,205.88( One million six Hundred and Fifty – Three Naira, Two Hundred and Five Naira, Eighty-Eighty kobo).
In a letter of complaint received via the council’s port Office, Kaduna, the Managing Director of USBAB MULTI CHOICE LTD, Mr. Usman Baba Ahmad stated that two export containers of Cowpea Black Eye Beans were damaged.
They put the value of the beans at $104,111.75 USD, while the total terminal and documentation cost was N1,653,205.88( One million six Hundred and Fifty – Three Naira, Two Hundred and Five Naira, Eighty-Eighty kobo).
The exporter identified delay by ICNL ( Terminal Operator/ Forwarding Agent) and MAERSK (Carrier), as being responsible for the damage and requested the council’s intervention for a refund of the loss.
USBAB added that “if the cargo was shipped on schedule, having paid all necessary charges to ICNL from the beginning of the transaction, the damage would have been avoided”.
They further gave a breakdown of what transpired from when the cargo was forwarded to ICNL to when it was eventually shipped out of Nigeria.
The complaint also denied receiving any notification from either FPIS or ICNL on the recommendation that fumigation should be repeated after the expiration of 21 days as contained on the certificate of Quality, Fumigation, Good Packaging Materials and weight.
They further presented additional claims received from the Importer in Dubai and other documents.  The complainant requested the assistance of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in recovering all funds spent on the beans and the export processes.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council held tripartite meetings at the Kaduna Port Office where all relevant parties; USBAB MULTI CHOICE LTD
( Complainant) , Kaduna Inland Dry Port/ ICNL ( Forwarder) , Federal Produce Inspection Service ( FPIS), Anglia International Services Ltd (Pre-shipment Agent) and Shippers’ Council’s Complaints Team from the head office were in attendance to amicably resolve the lingering complaint.
The Chairman of the meeting and Deputy Director, Kaduna Port Office, Mr. Paul Garnva welcomed all parties to the meeting and informed that Kaduna Port Office regulates the Dry Port and protects shippers in terms of cost, effective and efficient service delivery.
He noted that since the commencement of operations, over sixteen  (16,000 TEU’s) import containers have been cleared, while over fifty ( 50 TEU’s) export containers were handled.
 He added that the essence of the meeting was to dialogue with a view to arriving at a fair and amicable resolution.
The head of the complaints Unit, Mr. Daniel Orume, a Deputy Director, accompanied by an Assistant Director, (complaints), Mr. Danjuma Buba and Mr. Hassan Aminu ( a principal Operations Officer), however stated that this intervention is crucial, being the first to be held at Kaduna Port Office.
 He said in line with NSC’s Port Economic Regulation Order,2015, the complaints Unit is saddled with the responsibility to find solutions to issues relating to disputes between providers and consumers of shipping services in the industry.
 He stressed that, for the council to carry out its investigation and reach necessary resolutions, it relied on documents presented by all parties.
He pointed out that from the point of view of the the Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency  (NDLEA), the containers were put on hold for almost one month.
 On ICNL’s counter submission that they were informed late by MAERSK Nigeria, the council sought empirical evidence to authenticate when both MAERSK and NDLEA informed the Terminal as well as when they engaged NDLEA for the release of the containers.
The council further sought clarification from FPIS, statutorily responsible for issuance of certificate of Quality, Fumigation, Good Packaging Materials and Weight, and an explanation on which of the agencies in the export clearance chain is in charge of moisture owing to the fact that the space for moisture content of commodity on the certificate was blank.
The Council also raised issues such as; delay in trying to correct the Bill of Lading of the damaged cargo; sought to know from the pre-shipment Agent, the type of container most suitable for export of agricultural produce; and who is to advise on Packaging of all export cargoes?
Responding, the representatives of Anglia International Services Ltd, the pre-shipment Agent, Messrs. Bodam Sammy and Hyacinth Louis C. informed the meeting ‘ ‘they received the beans and inspected in line with their mandate.
They listed some of their responsibilities to include; ensuring that documentation and goods declared by the exporter have no disparity, ensuring that the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme ( NESS) fee is in conformity with the goods declared, proper documentation and submission of report of inspection to their head office for issuance of Clean Certificate of Inspection ( CCI) .
“Packaging or the choice of the type of bag is based on the specification of the buyer, the exporter must ensure strict adherence to that.
 “Where there is a discrepancy, CCI would not be issued and where there is an observation by any of the agencies in the export clearance chain, we are supposed to be informed.
”That, in this case, no agency informed us of any observation. “
 The pre-shipment agent further explained that in this instance, everything was properly done as a thorough check was carried out on the bags and the type of beans.
 In line with the physical examination,  ‘ there was nothing wrong with the beans as at the time of inspection “.
The Agency stated that they carried out their inspection and issued CCI  when all the agencies have completed their processes and their role terminates at that point.
Responding,  FPIS represented at the meeting by Mr. Usman Suleiman, stated ” he inspected the beans and found it to be well dried without stone,and certified it to be of exportable quality.”
He said that he fumigated the two (2) containers and further pointed out that the only thing he observed was that during stuffing, ‘ the containers were not properly dressed. ‘
He raised an observation, but the response of ICNL was ” the containers would not stay long “
 He added that if the dressing was to be done, it would not have been possible to move the containers that day to Lagos as desired by the Exporters.
While on the type of container most suitable for the export of Agricultural produce, the representative said any type of container could be used provided it is “clean and free of insects.”
ICNL ( Terminal operator/ forwarder) Kaduna represented by Messrs. Rotimi O. and Salami O. Rasaq informed the meeting ” the damage to the beans was unfortunate “.
They added that they received the cargo at Kaduna Inland Dry Port and transported it to Apapa Port, Lagos within 15 days.
 They also stated that the exporter commended the processing of documents such as For. NXP, NESS, etc. After the beans had arrived at KIDP
ICNL also explained that during stuffing, the FPIS officials drew their attention to the ” need to dress the containers with dry papers and bags,but the representative of the Exporter (Ahmed) insisted the stuffing should continue.”
They added that the trucks conveying the goods left Kaduna for Lagos, but on arrival, they could not access the port immediately due to MAERSK policy which only allows truck access into the port on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, which hindered timely gate- into the terminal “.
They further mentioned how NDLEA ” put on hold” to a great extent, contributed to the delay because neither MAERSK nor NDLEA informed them on time.
 This according to them accounts for the reason why they missed two vessels that the cargo previously scheduled.
After careful assessment of all the documents submitted during the previous tripartite meetings, the legal advice received from the Council’s Directorate of Legal Services as well as review of the role both parties played in the transaction, the Council resolved that the Liability sharing formula should be 70% for Kaduna Inland Dry Port ( ICNL ) being the appointed terminal operator and forwarder with the responsibility to ensure that the cargo is transported and delivered in safe and good condition, while 30% is for the Exporter( USBAB MULTI CHOICE LTD)  for failure to heed experts advice on how to properly preserve the beans and prevent it from damage.
The parties were however grateful for the council intervention, but ICNL requested the Council to review the liability sharing formula.
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
‎
‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
‎
‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
‎
‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
‎
‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
‎
‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
‎
‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
‎
‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
‎
‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
‎
‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
‎
‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
‎
‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

Continue Reading

Headlines

One infant, three adults die, several others sustain injuries in fatal train derailment along Warri- Itakpe route 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed the death of four passengers in a train derailment along the Warri–Itakpe Train Service (WITS) corridor near Agbor, Delta State on Monday, June 8th, 2026.
Several others suffered various degrees of injuries.
In a statement by the Ministry of Transportation  and signed by its Permanent Secretary, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the victims included two female adults, one male adult and one infant.
The accident involved four coaches which reportedly capsized while one coach derailed, resulting in the unfortunate loss of four lives.
The statement confirmed that a total of 442 passengers were booked on the train, while 40 crew members, security personnel, and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of persons on the train to 482.
The NRC had activated immediate rescue and evacuation operations with the support of the Delta State Government, NEMA, FRSC, the Police, Civil Defence, local authorities, security agencies, and other emergency responders, and were completed by 6:30 p.m on Monday .
The Injured passengers were evacuated to medical facilities in Agbor for treatment.
 Other notable individuals on board included the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Patrick Ukah, among others.
As of the time of this release, 24 serious injuries have been recorded, while several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.
One NRC staff member suffered a traumatic limb injury and is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured.
“The Corporation also appreciates the swift intervention of the Delta State Government, emergency responders, security agencies, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, the Special Rescue and Emergency Team, medical personnel, and members of the public who assisted in the rescue efforts” the statement declared.
The ministry said full onboard manifest has been retrieved and will be made available upon request by the relevant authorities while efforts are ongoing to identify all the injured and deceased persons for proper documentation.
The Ministry in conjunction with the NRC have commenced a full investigation into the cause of the accident while efforts will continue to account for all passengers and provide the necessary support to those affected.
Continue Reading

Commentaries

Why Nigeria must prioritize competency development and standards to harness gains of  blue economy

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
Nigeria is endowed with vast maritime resources which offer enormous opportunities for economic growth, employment generation, food security, and environmental sustainability.
With its fabled over 850 kilometers of coastline, extensive inland waterways, and strategic access to the Gulf of Guinea, the country is naturally blessed to emerge as a hub for maritime activities in Africa.
However , taking advantage of these huge massive maritime opportunities should be the priority of Nigerian government which must be intentional on developing competency level of its Maritime professionals and raise their
adherence to international standards.
The blue economy encompasses diverse sectors including shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, offshore energy, maritime logistics, shipbuilding, and marine environmental management.
 These sectors are highly knowledge-driven and require a workforce equipped with specialized skills and globally recognized certifications.
Without competent professionals, Nigeria risks losing economic opportunities to countries with better-trained maritime personnel and stronger institutional frameworks.
Competency development is essential for enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency across the maritime sector.
Skilled seafarers, marine engineers, port operators, logistics professionals, and environmental experts are critical to ensuring that maritime activities meet international best practices.
 As global shipping and offshore industries become increasingly technology-driven, continuous training and capacity building are necessary to keep Nigerian professionals competitive in the international labour market.
Skilled maritime professionals such as seafarers, marine engineers and allied personnel in the sector could be sources of foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria as they could be exported to the international community.
Philippines and India are the world’s top exporters of skilled maritime personnel such as seafarers where they get the chunk of their foreign exchange.
If Nigeria could develop such capacity in skilled labourers in the sector and export their expertise, the country could harvest bountifully from such venture.
Equally important is the adoption and enforcement of internationally recognized standards.
Standards provide the framework for quality assurance, safety management, environmental protection, and operational excellence.
Compliance with global maritime standards established by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization(IMO) and the Nautical Institute enhances Nigeria’s credibility as a maritime nation and attracts foreign investment.
Investors and international partners are more likely to engage with institutions and businesses that demonstrate compliance with recognized benchmarks.
That is why the recent certification of the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited by the  UK Nautical Institute is germaine to Nigeria’s quest to develop training capacity and build compliance with standard procedures
This feat also underscores the importance of world-class training institutions in building local capacity.
That is why the  government should give necessary assistance to training institutions in Nigeria such as Maritime Academy of Nigeria(MAN),  Oron and the Maritime Centre of Excellence operated by NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited.
Such government patronage and assistance will not only improve the quality of maritime training in Nigeria but also position the country as a regional centre  for maritime education and professional development.
Prioritizing competency development and standards will also contribute significantly to maritime safety and environmental sustainability.
Well-trained personnel are better equipped to prevent accidents, manage maritime risks, and respond effectively to emergencies.
 Furthermore, adherence to environmental standards helps reduce marine pollution, protect biodiversity, and ensure the sustainable utilization of ocean resources, which are fundamental pillars of the blue economy.
From an economic perspective, a competent workforce and strong standards framework can increase Nigeria’s participation in global maritime trade, create high-value jobs, reduce dependence on foreign expertise, and improve the country’s competitiveness.
 It also supports local content development by enabling Nigerian professionals and companies to meet the requirements of international contracts and projects.
In conclusion, competency development and standards are not optional components of Nigeria’s blue economy strategy; they are foundational requirements for its success.
 By investing in human capital, strengthening training institutions, and enforcing internationally accepted standards, Nigeria can fully harness the immense potential of its maritime resources and transform the blue economy into a major driver of national development, economic diversification, and sustainable growth.
Continue Reading

Trending