THE Shippers Association of Lagos State has lauded the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other stakeholders for their efforts towards instigating the international shipping lines to suspend the Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) on Nigerian bound cargoes.
The PSS, which was introduced by some international shipping lines on Nigerian cargoes had constituted additional cost burden on importers and weighing seriously on the nation’s economy.
The stakeholders, led by NSC and NPA made a drastic move against the charges recently thereby forcing the shipping lines to bow to pressure and withdrew the charges.
President, Shippers Association of Lagos State, Jonathan Nichol expressed optimism about the development, and appreciated the stakeholders for the collective efforts.
He said: “The Peak Season Surcharge greeted us with a major threat to our corporate existence with a 400% increase in freight costs.
“We were not prepared for the sudden increase. As expected, all hands were on deck as the Group Managing Director of Dangote conglomerate alerted the Shipping Trade Community in Nigeria. This increase would dealt a major impact on Industry and other commodities if allowed to remain.
“We write to express our deepest appreciation to you, especially – the Nigerian Shippers Council -The Nigerian Ports Authority and our trusted friends, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, NACCIMA, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Maritime Media Community, the Freight Forwarders Associations and The Shipping Lines in particular for their concerted efforts resulting in the withdrawal of the “Peak Period Surcharge” of 2020.
“This also extends to all our partners who were mift with the sudden surcharge. Our collective efforts in tackling the problem succeeded. We salute the courage of Messrs Maersk Line who started the withdrawal followed by MSC and CGM CMA.
” The Shippers Association Lagos State thank you all for your support. By this action, we have shown that we can indeed collectively solve any problems, no matter how complicated, they may be, if we come together as one.
“We are proud of the Nigerian Shippers Council and the Nigerian Ports Authority for the auspicious achievement in this respect,” he said.
He also applauded the Shipping Lines who reversed the Peak Period Surcharge, urging other shipping lines to follow suit.
