In a significant move welcomed by stakeholders in the maritime sector, the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has commended global shipping giant CMA CGM Nigeria for eliminating container deposit charges on all new bookings effective May 21.
Describing the decision as a major relief for Nigerian importers and exporters, the Executive Secretary of the Council, Barr. Pius Akutah, stated that the removal of these charges will ease financial pressure on shippers, especially small and medium-scale businesses, who often struggle with high logistics costs.
According to Akutah, “This development is a welcome one. It not only reduces the cost of doing business at the ports but also fosters greater transparency and competitiveness within the industry.”
He further urged other shipping lines operating in Nigeria to emulate CMA CGM’s gesture by adopting similar customer-focused policies that align with global best practices.
The container deposit charge, which has been a longstanding concern for Nigerian shippers, is a refundable fee paid by importers to shipping companies to ensure the return of empty containers. However, many shippers have decried the cumbersome and often opaque refund process, which has tied down millions of naira over the years.
With this announcement, CMA CGM has taken a pioneering step toward reforming port charges and reducing the cost of doing business in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Nigerian Shippers Council reiterated its commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian cargo owners and fostering a more efficient, transparent, and investment-friendly shipping environment.