The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has directed shipping companies to suspend demurrage charges during the period of the COVID-19 lock down.
The directive which takes effect from 30th March,2020 strictly applies to cargo that was discharged at the terminals from the 30th of March,2020.
The Council in a release made available to Timesnewsreporter in Lagos, also directed that demurrage charged during this period should be refunded to the consignee or his authorised agent.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council explained that suspension of demurrage during this period is an incentive for owners of cargo to accelerate the process of taking delivery of their cargoes.
The Council during it’s monitoring exercise observed that some shippers were unable to take delivery of their cargoes due to lack of public transportation, inadequate banking services and limited service providers
because of reduced workforce.
It however warned that the suspension of demurrage charges should be seen as excuse to delay or abandon cargo at the ports, adding that airing shippers would be sanctioned in addition to having to pay the demurrage due on their cargoes.
The statement further reads, ” In line with the presidential directive that port operations are essential services, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has been monitoring activities to ensure that seaports run efficiently and smoothly within the present circumstances, and in compliance with the existing health and safety guidelines for the prevention and curtailment of the spread of COVID-19″.
