Follow Us on Google
Following an alleged 200 per cent hike in haulage rate by the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), importers and exporters operating at the Eastern ports have threatened to shutdown port operations.
Recently, the NSC approved a 200 per cent increment on haulage rate for transport owners and drivers operating under the Maritime Union of Nigeria.
However, clearing agents, importers and exporters unanimously declared a seven-day ultimatum for the Council to return to the status quo by reversing the rate, this is even as they lamented the impending inflation the hike will plunge into the nation’s economy.
This was their position in Port Harcourt yesterday while analysing the inflation implications if the hike was not moderated.
Speaking on behalf of the operators, Zonal Coordinator, Association of Nigerian Customs Licenced Agents (ANLCA), Mr Joshua Ahuama, said the meeting became necessary to enable the body collectively to reject the new rate, as it contravene the provisions of the NSC Act.
However, he said stakeholder consultation is an integral provision of the agency’s Act.
“To this end, importers and freight forwarders association in the eastern zone have unanimously disputed the new rate because it is outrageous, arbitrary and unacceptable to all stakeholders.
“We have, however, resolved to adopt all peaceful efforts. We started this move on March 14, by calling on the NSC to ensure proper stakeholder engagement and renegotiation,” he said.
According to him, these measures are also expected to help all parties to reach a benchmark that would be in the interest of all stakeholders in the maritime value chain.
“We also urge the NSC to return to status quo by suspending the implementation of the disputed rate, pending proper renegotiation covering the interest of all stakeholders.
“We are not on a selfish course, our demands are in the interest of Nigerians because any slight increase on haulage rate will reflect on prices of goods in the open market. A businessman incorporates total logistic costs into prices of goods,” he added.
The group, however, said they might be constrained to take drastic measures which would include suspension on all declaration of goods and payment of Customs duties, which could negatively affect national revenue and economic output.
Some import and export association members who were present at the meeting included the Nigeria Shippers Association and the Aba International Traders Association.
Others are the Ultimate Importers Association, the POP Importers Association, Nnewi Importers Association and Onitsha Importers Association.
