The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has successfully mediated a dispute involving allegations of pilferage and damage to a consignment vehicle handled at Five Star Terminal, following a viral social media video posted by an automobile dealer.
The dispute arose after Carcontinent, a vehicle dealership, alleged that a 2016 Lexus RX 350 Premium, shipped from the United States to Nigeria via Sallum Lines, was released from Five Star Terminal with several components missing and visible physical damage, despite being purchased and shipped in accident-free condition.
In the viral video, the dealer alleged that critical components-including multiple electronic sensors were removed while the vehicle was under terminal custody. According to the complainant, the damage and missing parts were discovered before the vehicle exited the terminal, raising concerns of cargo pilferage and inadequate terminal security. Upon becoming aware of the public allegations, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council promptly contacted both parties and convened a tripartite Dispute Resolution (ADR) meeting to resolve the matter amicably and prevent escalation.
The tripartite resolution meeting held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Complaints Unit Meeting Room, and was opened by the Head, Complaints Unit, Dr. Bashir Ambi, who welcomed participants on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council. Dr. Ambi outlined the principles of ADR and emphasized cooperation, transparency, and orderly conduct. The meeting was chaired by Senior Operations Officer, Mr. Vincent Ikechukwu, who guided proceedings and ensured compliance with dispute resolution protocols.
Representation :
Carcontinent:
Mr. Okugbere Akpovire – Chief Executive Officer
Ms. Amarachi Umezurike
Mr. Ogundesi Oluwafemi – Clearing Agent Representative
Five Star Terminal
Barrister Anson A. Chibogu – Claims Manager
Mr. D. Danjuma Ika – Chief Security Officer
Presenting the case summary, Ms. Jessica Jonathan, the NSC case handler, disclosed that the Council received a formal complaint concerning a 2016 Lexus RX 350 valued at ₦33,712,500. The vehicle was reportedly discharged in sound condition but was later discovered to have missing components and surface scratches prior to final exit from the terminal.
Carcontinent confirmed the claim, stating that the following components were missing:
- Parking sensors
- Seat sensors
- Headlamp cover
- Engine sensors
- Wiper sensors
The complainant submitted photographic evidence showing the vehicle with intact components before discharge, alongside images allegedly taken prior to terminal exit showing the missing parts.
Responding on behalf of Five Star Terminal, Barrister Chibogu informed the meeting that the Delivery Order (DO) was processed and the vehicle was exited without a formal Joint Inspection or a Discrepancy Report being filed at the point of delivery. The terminal maintained that once a vehicle is driven out of the gate without an official protest, the transfer of liability is generally considered complete. He added that the terminal operates established claims and Incident Reporting Procedures, which were not formally invoked by the complainant at the material time. He explained that the vehicle arrived at the terminal on January 8, 2026 clearance procedures were concluded on January 26, 2026. The vehicle key was collected, and the unit was driven out without any recorded complaint. He further described the viral video as damaging to the terminal’s corporate image and presented operational documents to support the terminal’s position.
Mr. Oluwafemi countered that terminal personnel were informally notified of the issue, but no response was received. He cited prior negative experiences at other terminals as the reason for not immediately filing a formal complaint.
Ms. Umezurike added that the incident caused reputational damage to carcontinent, noting that a prospective buyer withdrew from the transaction after discovering the missing parts and allegedly questioned the company’s credibility.
Mr. Akpovire informed the Council that the replacement and reprogramming of the missing sensors cost the company over ₦552,000, excluding additional expenses for repainting and incidental repairs.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Ambi advised Five Star Terminal to strengthen access control and surveillance mechanisms within its operational area to prevent future occurrences of pilferage.
The complainant apologized for resorting to social media and committed to engaging the Nigerian Shippers’ Council directly in future disputes, acknowledging that he was previously unaware of the Council’s dispute-resolution mandate.
Resolutions Reached
After extensive deliberations and review of documents submitted by both parties, the following resolutions were unanimously reached that:
- The Nigerian Shippers’ Council confirmed that a 2016 Lexus RX 350 shipment was duly imported and handled through Five Star Terminal.
- The Council strongly condemned the use of social media to undermine the image of the terminal and directed the complainant to immediately remove the video from all platforms.
- Five Star Terminal was directed to refund ₦552,000 to the complainant for the replacement of missing sensors, excluding painting costs, on or before Friday, January 30, 2026.
- The refund is conditional upon the complainant presenting verifiable receipts for the purchased replacement sensors.
- Five Star Terminal was formally reminded to enhance internal security systems to mitigate future cargo integrity breaches.
- Both parties were encouraged to preserve and continue their commercial relationship in the interest of trade facilitation and port efficiency.
Parties expressed their sincere gratitude for the Council’s prompt intervention and amicable resolution.