… we have done due diligence, followed laid down procedures – SAHCO, NAHCO
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja, has tagged the recent one hundred per cent increase in the cost of cargo handling by the two handling companies in the country, Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) and the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) an act of insensitivity.
ANLCA said this was an attempt to add to the sufferings of the masses saying that 100 per cent increase is not acceptable anywhere in the world, and would further worsen the plight of some agents.
The two handling companies on 24th of April commenced a new cargo handling regime with 100 per cent increase but this did not go down well with ANLCA members who had to down tools for over four days to protest the increase.
The increment showed that general cargo /bank consignment charges per kilogramme rose from N63.30 to N130. 6, the demurage charge per kilogramme also went up from N13 to N26 while re-registration was pegged at N15, 000 from N4, 420 among others.
Addressing journalists over their plights, the Vice Chairman of ANLCA MMIA, Davies Ben Chukwunenye, who spoke on behalf of all agents across the country condemned the actions of the handling companies describing it as insensitive and an attempt to suffer the masses.
Davies explained that in second week of February 2023, the ground handlers sent a circular to the executive of ANLCA introducing an upward review of 300 per cent on their handling and other charges which they declared highly insensitive as a result of the current economic harsh situation in the country when Nigerians were struggling to survive.
He remarked that all attempts to make the handlers understand that it was ill timed to effect an increase was not considered adding, that the last increment was less than three years
ANLCA Vice Chairman said the intervention of their executives led to a downward review of 100 per cent which he said was against trade dispute all over the world to have a100 per cent increment.
Davies explained that the previous increase has sent many agents out of business as they could not cope with the situation lamenting that this will further add to the plights of agents.
He said the handling companies informed them that there was galloping inflation in the country.
He condemned the poor facilities provided by the management of NAHCO saying that it was not commensurate with the charges being paid by ANLCA members regretting the absence of waiting room and convenience for members
Davies further revealed that ANLCA members bear the brunts of customers damaged cargoes especially those affected by water as a result of water logged cargo shed of NAHCO.
He called on the government to come to their rescue and save the suffering masses saying that the association has written to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to intervene as the industry’s regulator but no response from the agency yet.
But in a letter from the two ground handlers to the agents dated 27th April 2023, they declared that, the final rates adjustment was effected in line with aviation standard as all relevant stakeholders recognised by law including government agencies and the regulator were duly consulted.
The letter signed by Boma Ukwunna and Saheed Lasisi of SAHCO and NAHCO respectively on behalf of the their managements, read: “We have also complied with the relevant provisions of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)’s four main principles on increase in charges for Airport and Air Navigation Service providers as contained in ICAO Doc 9082, which are:
Cost recovery
Transparency
Consultation with users
Non-Discrimination
“It is on record that the ground handlers have held several meetings with all critical stakeholders and various associations of Freight Forwarders and Brokers in the industry.
“During the engagements and numerous conversations held with the stakeholders, it was collectively agreed that there is need to ensure compensation for services rendered as a way of cost recovery for operations and such must enhance safety, efficiency, and security of our collective operations and the airport environment.
“Consequently, it was suggested that the ground handlers should amongst other things come up with competitive rates that to a large extent match up with the integral cost of operations and that are commensurate with what obtains in other West African countries.
“This was intensively considered by all parties.”
The companies agreed that there were meetings held between them and agents on a shift in the commencement dates of implementing the said agreement which they acceded despite the huge cost involved in having to adjust and readjust operating systems which occurred over three or four times.
“We consciously aligned in the spirit of progressive partnership, engagements, consultations, and collaborations.
“On the 17th of April 2023 we had a meeting with all the relevant stakeholders, consequent upon which an agreement was jointly executed on the 19th of April 2023 where it was collectively agreed that the ultimate effective date for the implementation of the 100 per cent increase is Monday 24th of April 2023.
“We were therefore shocked and taken aback that having achieved the above millage based on thorough justifications regarding the current economic realities, your members still went ahead, staging a protest for a matter that has already been concluded/resolved,” the letter added.
The two ground handling companies said they have done due diligence and followed the laid down procedures in arriving at the increment, adding that SAHCO and NAHCO will no longer be liable for any loss/demurrage from the no work action staged by some ANLCA members.