In a firm effort to promote professionalism and curb misconduct in the freight forwarding sector, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), through its Complaints Unit, has suspended Old Reliable Agency Ltd from engaging with PIL Shipping Company for a period of one year.
The disciplinary action follows a violent incident involving the agency’s representative at PIL’s headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.
According to the Council’s in-house bulletin, Old Reliable Agency Ltd has now been placed on a watch list. The NSC warned that any future infractions could result in license revocation and permanent blacklisting. The agency is barred from any dealings with PIL for the duration of the suspension.
Dr. Bashir Ambi, Head of the Complaints Unit, represented the Executive Secretary/CEO, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, during a mediation session between the parties. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to fairness and dispute resolution through its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework. The session was chaired by Barr. Musa Mohammed, Senior Legal Officer, as part of ongoing capacity development within the Council.
The case originated from a formal complaint submitted by Mr. Nesh Nair, General Manager (Commercial) of PIL Shipping Company. In the complaint, it was alleged that on February 11, 2025, Mr. Gabriel, an agent of Old Reliable and Logistics Services representing consignee Classic Diamond, visited PIL’s office to process cargo release. Upon being informed of an outstanding payment at PIL’s Onne office and the preparation of an invoice, the agent reportedly became aggressive and damaged a glass door at the premises. Though he later apologized, PIL deemed the behavior unacceptable and a threat to staff safety and operational decorum.
In response, PIL imposed a permanent ban on the agent and the consignee and sought NSC’s intervention to extend the ban to the entire agency. During the investigation, the Council uncovered a prior complaint against Old Reliable Agency by another shipping line, Hull Blyth/Arkas Line, involving container disputes and payment defaults. That case had also necessitated Council intervention.
Given the recurring nature of the agency’s misconduct, the NSC expressed serious concern and conducted a comprehensive review of all documentation and testimonies. While it condemned the agent’s behavior as unethical and unprofessional, the Council opted not to enforce a permanent ban in the interest of maintaining trade facilitation and encouraging reform.
As part of the resolution:
Classic Diamond, the consignee, is required to appoint a new licensed agent to complete the cargo clearance process.
PIL must provide a 48-hour window for the consignee to assign a new agent and take delivery of the cargo.
All demurrage charges accrued will be the responsibility of the consignee.
Old Reliable Agency must issue a formal apology to both NSC and PIL, expressing regret and pledging adherence to professional standards.
Failure to comply with these resolutions will result in the agency’s blacklisting through the Nigeria Customs Service.
The NSC also urged PIL and other stakeholders to improve customer relations and communication processes to prevent future conflicts. It encouraged the continuation of the commercial relationship between PIL and the consignee under new agency representation.
In closing, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council reiterated its commitment to fostering discipline, accountability, and professionalism within the maritime industry. All parties expressed appreciation for the Council’s swift and balanced resolution of the matter.
