”…..Instructs defendant to appear in person within 1-week.”
….. ”Help recover my container (4 cars) since 2020, plus over N6M’ ‘……………..Complainant.
Friday, 30th May, 2025 the Nigerian Shippers’ Council conveyed a tripartite meeting to resolve a complaint of non – release of a duty paid 1X40FT container no: MRKU3947840 on B/L 598351059, (said to contained 4-vehicles) valued over N20 million at the time of the transaction by Ukwuoma Ind. Sewing Machine Eng.Co. Aba, Abia State against Mr. Joseph Umuezugha,
of Ucenet Nigeria Limited (Clearing Agency), Nnewi building, Apapa, Lagos.
Addressing the tripartite meeting, the Head, Complaints Unit, Dr. Bashir Ambi Mohammed, an Assistant Director, who went to the Tincan Island Port for another complaint resolution, but he was represented by Mr. Vincent Nkwocha, Senior Operations Officer, who exercised guidance over the meeting said on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, FCIOTA, Ph.D., we welcomed all parties to the mediation meeting. He informed them of the rules of engagement in line with the principles of Alternative Disputes Resolution (ADR). ”as an unbiased Regulator, we will continue to give fair hearings while mediating over Stakeholders’ Complaints for Trade Facilitation and Ease of Doing Business in the Country.”
The Chairperson, (Vincent), who was privileged to be the case handler, gave an overview of the Complaint received from Ukwuoma Ind. Sewing Machine Eng. Co. Aba, Abia State against Mr. Joseph Umuezugha, whom she engaged to handle the clearing of a 1X40FT containing 4 vehicles, at Tin Can Island Port, Apapa, since year 2020.
Vincent, further added that the Complainant had paid the clearing agent (Mr. Joseph Umuezugha) , the sum of N2.8 million as agreed for clearing the container. The agent later requested for another N1 million, which was not part of the agreement, without knowing that she was being duped, and he kept saying all sorts of things, including lies.”
The complainant said the container was freight by my husband who lives overseas, and the agent was introduced to me by a friend in Aba, Abia State. She became frustrated and had reported the case to the Police, who invited him, and she was persuaded to give the Agent another N2.8 million again, and he promised to deliver the job within 3 weeks at that time. ” I’m not aware of Nigerian Shipppers’ Council, until recently when a friend assured me that my sweet will be recovered. Help recover my cargo.”..she said.
The Agent then requested for another N200,000.00, making the total amount given to him N6,800,000.00, still, no release of the container.
Responding, the defendant who was represented by his his lawyer, Barr. C. O. Abubu, Esq of Ucenet Nigeria Limited, explained that he came to honour the invitation sent by the Council on behalf of his client and to disclose that he forwarded a letter to both the Comptroller General of Customs and the Customs Area Comptroller, Tin Can Command, challenging the auction of the container, especially since duty had already been paid.
He also stated that he was not aware of any financial transactions or agreements between his client and the complainant, thereby requesting a rescheduling of the meeting, citing his lack of knowledge regarding the contractual relationship.
The Chairman of the meeting who expressed unhappiness over the non appearances of the defendant however questioned Barr. Abubu about his awareness of financial dealings related to the case and he responded negatively, affirming he did not know about the transactions, thereby emphasizing that his role was to explain his client’s absence and requested a postponement of the meeting.
After a thorough review of all the available shipping documents presented by the Complainant, in addition to presentations made by both parties, it was observed that Barr. C. O. Abubu could not represent his client in comprehensively.
The Chairman, however, read the following interim resolutions that;
1. The meeting established that Mr. Joseph Umuezugha (Freight Forwarder) could not attend the meeting and was represented by his lawyer, Barr. C. O. Abubu who informed the meeting that his Client’s absence was a force majeure, and he is not privy to any contractual agreement between his client and the Complainant.
2. The Complainant should provide all financial evidence of payment (receipts, etc) made to Mr. Joseph Umuezugha, information regarding the vessel arrival date and the date in which the Agent was engaged.
3. Barr. Abubu should inform his Client, Mr. Joseph to be available for the rescheduled meeting with all necessary documents regarding the container.
4. The meeting was rescheduled for Thursday, 5th June, 2025 at 10:00am
