Shippers caution terminal operators, shipping lines against arbitrary charges
. We are not against increase in terminal tariff, says Shippers’ Council
By Fredrick Wright
Shippers under the aegis of Shippers Association Lagos State have cautioned the terminal operators and shipping line on arbitrary charges on shipping operations.
President of the group, Jonathan Nicol, in a statement to SlyeNews said the shippers are currently engaging the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) with believe that the matter can be resolved sooner or later by the port economic regulator for the interest and benefit of all.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of NSC, Barr. Hassan Bello, has said he is not against the increment in terminal tariff, but said the tariff must be justified with the consent of the council as the lead agency in the port.
Nicol said the announcement of some terminal operators, specifically PTML and FIVE STARS Terminals and some shipping companies to increase rates and charges in Nigeria is indeed a wake up call.
He said: “Some freight forwarders support of the terminal operators is amazing, including the maritime workers union of Nigeria. Shippers are not against increase of rates and charges neither will the Nigerian Shippers’ Council refuse genuine increase of rates and charges.
“Shippers are against violations of regulations as laid down by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. Shippers wish to remind the trade platform that there is a subsisting legal issue between the terminal and shipping lines in Nigeria on arbitrary charges awaiting final determination at the Supreme Court. The legal issues were instigated in 2014 by the terminal operators and the shipping lines, respectively. It is only right for all to maintain public peace as it relates to these issues.
“The NSC is empowered to discuss and agree on new rates and charges to be introduced to the shippers who will eventually pay the bills. It is painful that we have not enjoyed the type of business friendliness in this sector since the introduction of the Port Concession Agreement of 2006. In that Agreement, it was agreed that ” stakeholders will meet and agree to any increase in Local rates and charges before implementing such”.
“Shippers Association Lagos State did not receive any notification in writing by the affected terminal operators of any increase. Neither, was any meeting held with our members in this respect. Some of the freight forwarders supporting this move may have forgotten that as agents, they are to protect their clients and not to commit the shippers in payment of arbitrary increases without approval from the port economic regulator,” he stated.
Bello, while speaking during a meeting with the management of PTML acknowledged that, although there may be need for review of charges, the review of the charges must be done through consultation with the port economic regulator.
While adding that any review should be reflected in service delivery and the procedures must be carried out in an orderly manner.
