AT TCAN SUMMIT : Shippers Council Set To Revamp Cargo Defence Fund

By Roland Ekama

The Nigerian Shippers Council has indicated interest for the revitalisation of Cargo Defence Fund (CDF) aimed to support Importers and exporters on issues affecting their businesses.

Management of council has assured shippers that the CDF will once again come on stream before the end December 2025.

The Executive Secretary/ CEO of the council , Dr. Pius Akutah disclosed this on Wednesday at a summit put together by journalists under the aegis of Transport Correspondent Association of Nigeria (TCAN).

Akutah was represented by Mr. James Atilola,
Deputy Director, Monitoring Intermodal Coordination, Inland Transport Services Department,Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

During a panel session at the summit, the Council’s boss re-echoed that management has set up a committee towards reviving Unit of Cargo Defense Fund, adding that “The process to revive the CDF is in progress”.

He noted that 2019 covid 19 pandemic affected the fund but maintained that the committee are already in the final stage of revamping the CDF.

The Executive Secretary stated that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy was aware of the process and progressive move made by the committee.

He urged shippers to embrace seamless Standards Operating Procedures (SOP) for seamless movement of cargoes from the seaports to the hinterlands.

The Fund has been set up because of the need to tackle problems associated with abandonment of legitimate Cargo Claims successfully. The Cargo Defence Fund therefore seeks to assist the often frustrated and confused Nigerian Shippers in their pursuit of legal remedies and claims recoveries.