From right: Executive Secretary/CEO, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah and an official of CMA CGM Nigeria Shipping Limited display the official communication announcing the removal of the container deposit fee during a visit to the NSC headquarters, Apapa, Lagos.

After several years of subtle protests and advocacies, reprieve has come the way of shippers (importers and exporters) in Nigeria as container shipping giant, CMA CGM Nigeria Shipping Limited has decided to drop the mandatory refundable container deposit fee, which is hardly refunded at the end of the transactions.

The refundable deposit fee, which is a global practiced among many shipping nations, is a payment made by the consignee of the cargo to ensure a safe and timely return of the container, unfortunately became a method of fleecing Nigerian shippers as the refundable fee is hardly refunded by the shipping line agents and when they do, they deduct funny charges.

This piece of cheering news came as the Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC, the country’s port economic regulator, has acknowledged the decision of CMA CGM Nigeria Shipping Limited to officially remove the container deposit requirement for all new bookings effective May 21, 2025.

This development follows sustained stakeholder engagements and seen as a significant step toward promoting a more efficient, customer-friendly shipping environment in Nigeria.

The NSC commends this initiative and views it as a milestone in ongoing efforts to reduce trade barriers, enhance compliance, and boost competitiveness at Nigerian ports.

This policy shift is expected to ease the financial burden on shippers, reduce disputes over refunds, and further drive reforms across the maritime sector.

The removal of the container deposit aligns with industry-wide calls for more transparent and cost-effective practices within the port and logistics value chain.

In a formal communication to the Council, CMA CGM attributed the decision to valuable customer feedback received over the years. The container shipping giant emphasised that the move is aimed at streamlining operational procedures, simplifying logistics, and improving service delivery.

The Council encourages other shipping lines operating in Nigeria to adopt similar customer-focused policies in the interest of fairness, transparency, and improved service efficiency.