The nation’s port economic regulatory, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), has revealed that it approved the new tariff for terminal operations collected at the West African Container Terminal (WACT) because it is within the industry benchmark.
NSC made this clarification on Monday amid recent publications and criticisms making rounds on social media concerning the tariff review at WACT.
The nation’s port economic regulator stated that the tariff increment implemented by WACT was duly reviewed and approved by the NSC.
Part of the NSC statement read: “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.”
Meanwhile, according to WACT, before the implementation of the new tariff structure, it 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 (NCMDLCA).
The port operator stressed that the discussions led to a mutual agreement that the implementation would be phased to ease the impact on port users.
“In adherence to this agreement, 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.
“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 NSC statement read.
Meanwhile, Shippers’ Council reiterated its commitment to its mandate of ensuring fair and competitive practices in the port sector while balancing the interests of terminal operators and port users.
