Dissatisfied with the position of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) on the recent increment in charges by West African Container Terminal (WACT), the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has vowed to write petitions to the Nigerian Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
APFFLON made this pledge on Tuesday during a press conference where it accused Shippers’ Council of undermining the federal government’s efforts to reduce the costs of doing business at the nation’s seaports.
The accusation follows the NSC’s defense of a recent tariff increase by the West African Container Terminal (WACT). WACT had announced an 8% increase in terminal handling charges and a 100% rise in storage handling charges, effective from Tuesday, April 1st.
Recall that in a statement released on Monday, the NSC stated that the WACT’s tariff adjustment received their approval and falls within industry benchmark.
However, speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, APFFLON President, Frank Ogunojemite, expressed the association’s disappointment on the NSC’s position and vowed to petition the Senate, FCCPC, and the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy.
Ogunojemite maintained that the association will not fold its arms if the NSC continues to demonstrate what he described as incompetence by allowing WACT to proceed with the tariff adjustments.
He stated that the association had previously written to the NSC on the implications of the increase, but their concerns were ignored, leading to suspicions of compromise by the Council.
His words, “If the Nigerian Shippers’ Council can support WACT on this increment that is sabotage on the federal government’s initiative to make the Nigerian ports hub in West Africa and it means they do not have the interest of the citizens. Last year, WACT made 100% increment. This year again another 100% increment and we operate in the same market.
“We will not fold our hands for Shippers Council to sabotage the effort of the Minister to reduce port cost.”
Ogunojemite further questioned the justification for a 100% increase, particularly with the current economic situation.
He argued that given the stance of Shippers’ Council on the issue, it will be difficult for the economic regulator to handle the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN).
Ogunojemite also accused the Council of supporting holiday and weekend charges imposed by WACT and other seaport terminal operators.
He stated that the holiday charges and the arbitrary increment have become a norm because the terminal operators face no repercussions.
“Initially, we thought the Council would be able to handle it but the way it is now, it is reflecting that NSC has compromised not to address any unjustified cost increases.
“We did not say as a business, you should not make a profit but how can you make 100 percent? We all witnessed the 4 percent FOB introduced by Customs. What happened to it? This is already even in the Customs Act but it was suspended.
“So, if Shippers Council cannot suspend this, then there is something behind the increment, ” he alleged.
Responding to WACT’s claim that APPFLON’s inability to participate in the stakeholders engagement process was due to non-compliance with regulatory requirements by the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Ogunojemite clarified that APFFLON is an association not individual agents.
According to him, CRFFN accreditation is not permanent but subject to renewal, every six months with no currently accredited associations.
He argued that even as port users, APFFLON has the right to voice concerns affecting the nation’s economy
