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The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Western Zone, has intensified opposition to the proposed increment in shipping lines’ local charges, as its Coordinator, Alhaji Femi Anifowose, convened a strategic meeting of freight forwarders operating at Lagos ports ahead of a scheduled dialogue with shipping companies and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
The meeting, held on Tuesday, brought together freight agents from various port locations, including Apapa and Tin Can Island, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT), Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) to harmonise positions ahead of Wednesday’s engagement with regulators and shipping lines over the planned hike in charges, particularly those announced by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) where protests ensued last week.
At the meeting, participating freight forwarders unanimously rejected the proposed increment, describing it as excessive, unjustified and capable of further worsening the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports.
The agents resolved to present a common front at the dialogue, insisting that the increases be completely shelved pending a transparent and inclusive review process involving all port stakeholders.
Beyond the issue of charges, the freight forwarders also agreed to formally demand an end to what they described as persistent intervention of cargoes by the Maritime Police, which they said has become a major source of delay, harassment and additional costs within the port environment.
Speaking at the meeting, Anifowose reiterated ANLCA Western Zone’s position that shipping lines cannot continue to impose unilateral charges without adequate notice and justification.
His words: “If we don’t stand for ourselves; nobody will stand for us. Whatever association you may belong to; we must shelve our differences and stand together in the interest of our business and in the interest of our nation. As freight forwarders, we have to come together to fight this noble fight for the industry.
“Around November 2023, shipping companies and terminals increased their charges by over 400 percent. The reason then was based on dollar rate and foreign exchange challenges. Diesel and petrol prices were also labelled as factors responsible for their increased cost of doing business. We agree then; but there is no justification for any increment now.”
He equally urged the NSC to live up to its role as port economic regulator by protecting port users from exploitative practices and ensuring that any review of charges follows due process.
According to him, the outcome of the Wednesday dialogue will determine the next line of action by freight forwarders, warning that continued disregard for stakeholders’ concerns could provoke more resistance across the ports.
Some of the freight forwarders who spoke and aligned with the position include; Dr. Segun Alabi, a former Secretary of the ANLCA Election Committee (ASECO); Chairman, APFFLON Tincan chapter, Alhaji Akeem Aribiojo; ANLCA Apapa Chapter Chairman, Mr. Emeka Chukwumalu; ANLCA Tincan Chapter Chairman, Prince Olawale Cole; among others.
“It is good to know that we have a leader who will not back down. We know that you will go all the way to protect our collect interest and we can assure you that we will go all the way with this leadership. We are solidly behind you,” Dr. Segun Alabi said.
The planned meeting with the NSC and shipping lines is expected to focus on shipping companies proposed increases which had been effected by the MSC in Import Documentation and Port Additional Charges, which ANLCA and other freight forwarding groups maintain lack economic justification given relative stability in fuel prices and foreign exchange.
