The law firm Popoola-Taiwo Legal Practitioners (PLP) in conjunction with the Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) have successfully settled a long-standing maritime dispute between two firms, AAK Logistics Limited and Ocean Network Express Nigeria Limited, through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
ADR is a mechanism a settlement introduced into maritime sector by Dr. Akutah Ukeyima Pius Esq, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSC.
The dispute between the two logistics firm, according to an impeccable source, was dated back to 2022, over a missing container and demurrage that had accrued for more than three years.
The PLP led by Barrister Shehu Popoola-Taiwo, was able to resolve the dispute following extensive mediation sessions convened by the NSC.
Under the resolution, AAK Logistics Lumited was fully discharged of all liabilities relating to the missing container, while its counterparty, was directed to pay the depreciation value (DV) of the container.
The mediation was coordinated by the NSC’s Complaints Unit, which provided a neutral platform for both parties to present their positions and reach a mutually acceptable outcome. The Council’s intervention ensured a timely and business-friendly resolution without recourse to litigation.
The successful conclusion of the matter has been described within industry circles as a further demonstration of the efficiency of ADR mechanisms in the maritime sector. Observers note that such resolutions not only reduce costs and save time but also help preserve business relationships among stakeholders in the shipping and logistics industry.