…..Shipping Company to Bear 50% of liability for Erroneous Terminal & Rotation Number.
In fulfilling its mandate towards a robust mediatory role in the Industry, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council recently intervened and amicably resolved a complaint on Terminal & Rotation, erroneously issued by a Shipping company, Hull Blyth (Arkas) to a consignee,
Camel Logistics & Shipping Services Ltd on their container (1X20FT) valued at N36, 468.221.00 only.
Addressing the parties, the Head, Complaints Unit, Dr. Bashir Ambi Mohammed, said; ”On behalf of Akutah Pius Ukeyima,Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D we welcome you to the mediation table. Complaints Unit is a hubb for hope for resolving commercial infractions within the industry at no cost. He assured them of fair intervention in line with the basic Principles of Alternative Dispute Resolution,(ADR)
Dr. Ambi, further stated considering the ongoing Succession Program in the Council, we request Ijeoma Ugwu, Principal Operations Officer to chair the meeting.
Ugwu, however requested the case handler, Kelvin Konumah Obewu to summarize the complaints.
Obewu, informed the tripartite meeting that Nigerian Shippers’ Council received the complaint on alleged provision of incorrect discharge terminal information for Container No: GAOU6887681 (Bill of Lading Number; ALY000027481), which led to the accrual of substantial demurrage charges on the consignee.
The consignee was represented by a Freight Forwarder: Camel Logistics & Shipping Services Ltd.led in by Mr. Joby Varghese, a deputy Manager /Import Operations in accompanied by another staff, Adamson Emmanuel. Mr. Varghese further reiterated their claim that Hull Blyth Nigeria Ltd. provided incorrect terminal information for delivery. They further asserted that the vessel’s rotation number should have been received 3 to 5 days prior to the vessel’s arrival, but they only received the correct rotation number and terminal information after reaching out to the shipping company. The delay and gap in communication according to them, resulted in significant financial losses.
Hull Blyth (Arkas) Shipping was represented by Doreen Onyemachi and Nancy Abara. The representatives acknowledged that the incorrect terminal information was initially sent on 10th June 2025, the same day the vessel arrived, while the correct terminal information was subsequently sent to the consignee’s registered email address that reads: imports@camelshipping.com on the 13th June, 2025, which the Shipping Agency lamented that it was not the original email address used by the Complainant in previous correspondence.
The shipping company also noted that they were not notified of the error until 24th June, 2025 attributing the delay not solely to the provision of incorrect terminal information, but also to documentation challenges reportedly encountered by the agent.They asked if the complainant really migrated to the current Customs B’ Odogwu.?
The tripartite meeting however requested the complainant to answer the Shipping Company’s question, which he confirmed that ” We are yet to fully migrate to B’Odogwu.
After reviewing the submissions and extensive deliberations that lasted fore 3 hours, the meeting reached the following resolutions:
1). The Nigerian Shippers’ Council affirmed that a transaction took place between Hull Blyth Nigeria Ltd. and Camel Logistics & Shipping Services Ltd.
2). It was confirmed that Hull Blyth (Arkas) Shipping Company erroneously provided the terminal and rotation number.
3). The meeting noted a wide communication gap between both parties.
4). Hull Blyth Nigeria (Arkas) Shipping Company is to bear 50% of the liability amounting to (₦399,470) which should be paid on or before the close of business on Wednesday, 9th July, 2025 with proof of payment submitted to the Council.
5). The Nigerian Shippers’ Council advised that shipping company (Arkas /Hull Blyth) should henceforth maintain and utilize the contact information (e.g., email addresses, mobile phone numbers) as contained on the Bill of Lading.
6). Parties are encouraged to maintain, cement a harmonious and professional business relationship.
Both parties are grateful for the Council’s intervention.
