At the a stakeholders meeting on tariff review, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) insisted on its call on shipping companies operating at the nation’s seaports to engage relevant stakeholders before implementing any increase in tariffs.
However, the freight forwarders, importers, manufacturers, and other members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) who formed the major stakeholders in attendance maintained their clamour of no increment, saying there was no justification for it
To buttress its stance, the NSC Executive Secretary, Dr. Pius Akutah, emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement in maintaining order within the port system and ensuring that Nigeria’s ports align with global best practices. “Our role is not only to ensure that service providers operate within an economically justifiable framework for port users from arbitrary, unjustified, or anti-competitive charges”, he said.
“The Council remains open to dialogue and is committed to ensuring equity, regulatory integrity, and the long-term sustainability of the maritime industry”.
The stakeholders, including freight forwarders, importers, and OPS groups, have rejected the tariff hike, citing lack of justification. “Everybody rejected the increment because it doesn’t have any justification”, President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA)”, Chief Emenike Nwokeoji, said.
“We insisted they should go back to the drawing board.”
The stakeholders have called for a six-month grace period for the clearance of backlog consignments and the creation of an inclusive tariff review forum. “IMAN maintains that any tariff or rent review conducted without its input is invalid and unacceptable”, National Vice President of the Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN), Chief Ndubuisi George, said.
“The Association remains committed to constructive engagement and commends the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for withdrawing the controversial approvals pending conclusive engagement with IMAN”.
Raising concerns over challenges imposed on the logistics operators by some of the shipping companies, the Tincan Chapter Chairman,
Prince Olawale Cole, said stakeholders have also expressed frustration with the operations of some shipping lines, particularly the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
“Nobody has asked us about operational challenges that we have with these shipping companies, especially the likes of MSC.
“This same shipping company charges for holidays that we don’t work. MSC charges for weekends that they don’t work. This same shipping company charges while the vessels are yet to berth”