WACT Tariff Review Fair, Justifiable, Says Shippers’ Council
By Sulaimon Salau
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has declared that the tariff reviews by the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) at Onne port are fair, justifiable, and sustainable for both service providers and port users.
The council in a statement made available to Slye News, revealed that the tariff increment implemented by WACT was duly reviewed and approved by the NSC.
The statement was in response to some publications making rounds on social media concerning the tariff review approval issued to the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in 2021 and 2023.
Setting the record straight the NSC said it granted approval within the industry benchmark.
It explained: “The review was conducted following rigorous assessment processes to ensure that the rates remain within the acceptable industry benchmark and align with prevailing economic realities.
“It is pertinent to note that the NSC, in its regulatory capacity, ensures that all approved tariff adjustments are fair, justifiable, and sustainable for both service providers and port users.
“According to WACT, before the implementation of the new tariff structure, WACT engaged extensively with the leadership of registered clearing agents in Onne, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (ARFFN), and the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (CMD).
“The discussions led to a mutual agreement that the implementation would be phased to ease the impact on port users,” it stated.
In adherence to the phased implementation agreement, NSC said WACT initially implemented the first phase of the tariff increment, which was accepted by the service users.
“Following due consultations and considerations, the final phase of the agreed increment was scheduled for implementation after a one-month and two-week notice period given to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and adequate preparation,” it explained.
However, the NSC linked the non-participation of members of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) in sensitization programme was because it was not duly recognized by the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).
“The claim by APFFLON is misleading. According to WACT, APFFLON has, for two years, failed to obtain an introductory letter from the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), which is a prerequisite for recognition as an agent.
“As such, their inability to participate in the stakeholder engagement process was due to their non-compliance with regulatory requirements and not an act of exclusion by WACT.
“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to its mandate of ensuring fair and competitive practices in the port sector while balancing the interests of terminal operators and port users.
“We urge stakeholders to engage constructively and in accordance with regulatory frameworks to enhance efficiency in our port operations,” NSC stated.
