Nigerian Shippers Council warns against arbitrary charges at ports

The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has warned against arbitrary charges by terminal operators or shipping companies.

The Executive Secretary of the NSC, Mr Emmanuel Jime issued the warning during a visit to APMT, Apapa, one of the terminal operators at the Lagos seaport.

Jime told the management of the terminal operator that the federal government was against any form of arbitrariness in charges at the ports.

He said that the terminal operators as well as others must be clear about their charges, adding that the expectation is for their charge or tariff to come under a heading showing the service being rendered.

Mr. Jime also stressed the need for the terminal operators to allow the staff of the ports economic regulator access into the terminals as they come for their official operations or visit.

He explained that all the Council was after was to do its job and ensure that arbitrariness in charges come under check.

“What we request of you, is that the Shippers Council team must have unfettered access, when on official duty.

“We will also like to request that information be provided to us: especially statistics and data because we may need this in order for us to adequately advise the Nigerian Government, as far as the industry is concerned.”

Jime also stressed the importance of services being cost-effective.

“Of course, as part of our core mandate, we are concerned about cost, particularly how we moderate cost.

“We can’t come here without discussing cost-related issues.

“As we all know prices of commodities, goods and services have skyrocketed and the evidence is seen; and that is what poverty has done to humanity.

“So, we urge APMT to partner with us, on ways and means of bringing down the cost of doing business.

“In other words, we are asking that all cost tariff- headings must be justified; and that is an honourable request.

“Services, obviously needs to be rendered adequately and timely” Jime said.

He also pointed out the need for enhanced digitalization of terminals, adding that this will reduce human contact at the ports.

Mr Jime, during the event identified some illegality on the part of the APMT terminal.

Exceeding expectations

In his response, Klaus Laursen, assured that his management team was all out to ensure that the terminal was not found wanting in areas of expectations from the government.

He said the terminal was all out to exceed necessary expectations from the government, adding that there was room for improvement as measures were already in place to achieve the feat.

 

 

 

 

Emmanuel Ukoh