The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has directed Inland Container Nigeria Limited (ICNL) to pay $72,777 as compensation, covering 70 percent of the liability related to damaged black-eye beans intended for export. The dispute involved two containers of beans shipped from Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP) by USBAB Multi Choice Limited to Jebel Ali port, Dubai.
USBAB Multi Choice Limited claimed that the beans, valued at $104,111.75, arrived damaged due to delays attributed to ICNL and Maersk Nigeria Limited. The company also reported additional terminal and documentation costs amounting to N1,653,205.88. They argued that the damage could have been avoided had the cargo been shipped on schedule and criticized ICNL and Maersk Line for the delay. Furthermore, USBAB highlighted a lack of notification regarding the need for repeated fumigation, which was required by the quality certificate.
The NSC convened a tripartite meeting involving USBAB Multi Choice Limited, ICNL, Kaduna Inland Dry Port, the Federal Produce Inspection Agency (FPIS), Anglia International Services Ltd (pre-shipment agent), and the NSC Complaints team to resolve the issue.
Paul Garnva, Deputy Director of the Kaduna Port Office, emphasized that the NSC’s role is to ensure efficient and cost-effective service delivery for shippers. The investigation revealed that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had delayed the release of the containers by nearly a month. The NSC sought clarification on when Maersk Line and the NDLEA notified ICNL about the container’s status and when the NDLEA was engaged for the release.
The FPIS clarified its role in the clearance process, particularly regarding the moisture content of the beans. The Council also reviewed delays in correcting the Bill of Lading and sought input from the pre-shipment agent about appropriate containers and packaging guidelines for agricultural exports.
Anglia International Services Ltd confirmed compliance with all required documentation and inspection processes. FPIS representative Usman Suleiman verified that the beans were of exportable quality but raised concerns about improper container dressing during the stuffing process.
ICNL representatives explained that they received the cargo at KIDP and transported it to Apapa Port, Lagos, within 15 days. However, delays were caused by Maersk Line’s policy and NDLEA’s extended hold on the containers, which missed two scheduled vessels.
After reviewing the evidence and legal advice, the NSC decided that ICNL should cover 70 percent of the liability, amounting to $72,777, while USBAB Multi Choice Limited would bear 30 percent of the liability due to improper preservation of the beans. ICNL has requested a review of this liability-sharing formula.
Both parties expressed appreciation for the NSC’s intervention in resolving the dispute.
