The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has recently welcomed a significant change in the shipping sector, with CMA CGM Nigeria Shipping Limited officially eliminating container deposit requirements for all new bookings starting 21st May 2025. This announcement is seen as a positive development in the broader effort to transform the maritime industry and enhance customer satisfaction.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Retreat of the NSC’s Public Relations Unit in Lagos, Dr Pius Akutah, the council’s executive secretary, highlighted how this decision stems from extensive stakeholder engagement and discussions aimed at fostering a more efficient shipping environment in Nigeria. Dr Akutah described the initiative as a landmark achievement, emphasising its potential to lower trade barriers, amplify compliance, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
Dr Akutah articulated the challenges faced by shippers, noting, “Container deposits have been one of the major complaints coming from most of our stakeholders… Most times, it’s very cumbersome, and sometimes they even have to lose the money.” He reassured that the NSC has actively engaged with various shipping companies and proposed a solution involving insurance policies to cover potential damages instead of relying on the cumbersome deposit system. CMA CGM’s decision to abolish deposit requirements represents a proactive response to customer feedback, aimed at simplifying logistics and enhancing overall service delivery.
The NSC’s efforts to reform the container deposit regime have been ongoing, with initiatives dating back to at least May 2022 when they deemed the existing system as “oppressive and fraudulent.” A Container Deposits Insurance Scheme was proposed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Transportation and insurance firms to manage these challenges more effectively. This systemic change is expected to save over N1.7 billion annually, as research suggested this was the collective amount shippers were spending on container deposits.
While this progressive policy change is lauded, the NSC has also called for other shipping companies operating in Nigeria to adopt similar practices. These advancements in customer-centric policies are crucial for ensuring fairness and transparency within the maritime sector, and also reflect a shift towards more international standards that protect consumers.
Moreover, the NSC has highlighted the broader context of reforms needed in the industry, which include addressing inefficiencies related to container management. Instances of mismanagement—where containers are converted into makeshift shops—have resulted in significant losses and further underscored the urgency of implementing effective solutions. As part of this reform, the NSC is exploring an innovative insurance-backed approach to prevent container deposit disputes, aiming to instil better operational practices.
Beyond regulatory changes, the NSC has made considerable strides in recovering over N527 billion from shipping companies and terminal operators in previous years, a clear indication of the council’s commitment to protect stakeholders in the maritime industry. These recoveries have resulted from various disputes, including billing issues and service quality complaints, stressing the necessity for ongoing oversight and transparent operations within the sector.
As CMA CGM sets a new precedent by removing container deposit charges, stakeholders remain hopeful that this will lead to a more streamlined and customer-friendly shipping landscape in Nigeria. The long-term goal of these reforms seeks not only to alleviate financial burdens on importers but also to enhance the overall efficiency and integrity of Nigerian ports as they compete in an increasingly globalised market.
The NSC’s recent developments signal a pivotal moment for importers and shipping companies in Nigeria, who are eager for enhanced collaboration and sustainable practices. As the initiative unfolds, industry watchers will be keen to see how other companies respond and whether these reforms will truly reshape the maritime landscape in the country.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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