Freight forwarders agree with PTML Terminal on new charges
By Eniola Idris
Freight forwarders at the Ports and Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML) Terminal in Lagos Port have expressed their support for the biggest vehicle terminal in Nigeria over the newly introduced charges, saying that they are totally in agreement with the terminal operator.
The stakeholders in a joint communique, which issued after a meeting with the Managing Director of Grimaldi Shipping Nigeria, Mr Ascanio Russo, said the agreement was reached given that the increase in charges was necessary to avoid a breakdown of high level of logistics operations that PTML Terminal is known for.
According to the freight forwarders, special considerations was given to the fact that Grimaldi Shipping, owners of PTML Terminal, has not increased their charges for several years now.
The meeting was attended by representatives of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) led by its Chapter Chairman, Samuel Obe and Sunny Ugorji. The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) was equally represented by its chapter Chairman, George Okafor and Thomas Alor. The Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN)was represented by Emma Ohambele and Chinedum Ogueke accordingly.
Recall that at the joint stakeholders meeting held on Wednesday 26 May 2021 at PTML Customs Command, the issue of the increase of handling charges by Grimaldi Agency was tabled and deliberated upon. It was resolved that each association should nominate two members each, to meet with Grimaldi Management and find a common ground on the above subject.
After an exhaustive and painstaking meeting of both parties, the following resolution was arrived at: “That the initial plan of 100% from Grimaldi was considered but due to the effect it will bear on the importer it was agreed for 50% increase”
“After a thorough explanation from the management of Grimaldi Agency on the urgent need for this increase, 50% was considered to be reasonable.
“That the acceptance of this increase is based on the ever increasing high cost of operations as can be seen by every one in the industry.
“Grimaldi undertake to increase in their drive towards the provision of world class logistics services to Nigeria and to provide more equipments and human management urgently where it is required.
“Grimaldi assured the stakeholder that once they get the promised rebate from Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) as promised during the COVID-19 peak period, more provisions of equipments will be made that will lead to reduction in operational cost”
“The representative’s of the various Association enjoined members to go about their business peacefully as always an assured that subsequently no increment will be made at the command without an interactive meeting,” it stated.
