…. Mandates Tripartite Meeting for Shipping Firm, Consignee, and Allottee; Sets Seven-Day Deadline for Resolution.
Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) intervened in a high-stakes maritime dispute between Skamos Enterprises Nigeria Limited and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The port regulator issued an interim resolution addressing grievances over restricted access to auctioned cargo, reinforcing the Council’s mandate to ensure fair trade, seamless port operations, and equitable conflict resolution.
Representing the Executive Secretary/CEO, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq., PhD, Head, Complaints, Dr. Bashir Ambi Mohammed, inaugurated the proceedings. He emphasized the NSC’s reliance on internationally recognized Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) principles. ”The Nigerian Shippers’ Council operates as a neutral mediator, utilizing verified documentation to ensure impartial outcomes,” Dr. Ambi stated. “Our intervention services are provided free of charge as part of our trade facilitation mandate. We bridge the gap between aggrieved parties, transforming commercial friction into collaborative success through integrity, industry expertise, and decades of regulatory experience.”
As the final mediation session of 2025, the meeting focused on a complaint presented by Barr. Musa Mohammed. The dispute involves 2X40FT containers – MSDU4177714 and MSDU4816271- containing vital health equipment destined for the Jigawa State Government.
The Boxes were purchased by Skamos Enterprises Nigeria Limited through a verified Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) auction. However, the Shipping Line, MSC, allegedly restricted the release of the units, prompting Skamos to seek regulatory intervention.
Representing MSC Nigeria Ltd, Customer Care Manager Dimeji Gbadebo requested a brief extension. He noted that key auction liaison officials were currently on seasonal leave and required time to coordinate with the Consignee (Jigawa State) to resolve data discrepancies. He reaffirmed MSC’s commitment to an amicable resolution given the sensitive nature of the medical cargo.
Following a comprehensive two-hour evaluation of the evidence, the Council established the following interim resolutions:
1.The NSC confirms the official auction status of the 2X40FT containers (MSDU4177714 and MSDU4816271).
2. In accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, the Council affirms that auctions are a legally mandated tool for port decongestion. Under Section 30(1), cargo not cleared within 30 days is subject to disposal or sale under Section 119.
3. The Council verifies that the full payment of ₦4.3 million (including VAT) has been remitted to the Federal Government’s revenue account for the auction purchase.
4. The Council granted MSC a one-week extension to obtain critical documentation from the Consignee.
5. A mandatory meeting involving the Shipping Firm, the Consignee (Jigawa State Government), and the Allottee is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
6. The NSC will investigate whether the equipment was deliberately abandoned to reach auction status as a fraudulent means of evading demurrage and terminal storage charges.
7. The Council will liaise with the Jigawa State Government’s to ascertain the reason for the prolonged silence regarding this strategic medical Consignment to determine why it was permitted to reach the point of auction without intervention.
8. MSC is directed to brief the Consignee on all subsequent release procedures to ensure total alignment.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Ambi underscored that compliance is the foundation of maritime success. “Our passion is ensuring every stakeholder thrives while conducting lawful business,” he noted. The Council urged all parties to commit to transparency, warning that regulatory alignment is essential for a competitive and efficient blue economy.