Lagos shippers suspends increment of charges

The Shippers Association Lagos State (SALS), says it has suspended increment of charges by the Shipping Lines and Terminal Operators.

The former President of SALS, Rev. Jonathan Nicol, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

“It is noteworthy that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council reduced terminal operators service fees from 600 % to 400% two years ago, which caused a lot of confusion, thereafter, in the sector.

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“Increment of charges by both associations are not issues that should be discussed freely when they are yet to hear the final determination of an existing matter at the Supreme Court on unauthorized charges, since 2014 till date.

“We are asking both associations, the Terminal Operators and the Shipping Lines Operators to be calm for now,”Nicol said.

He pleaded with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) not to approve any increases, or interfere with the Supreme Court judgement.

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Nicol noted that the matter would be resolved among the parties soon.

He explained that SALS would be glad to participate in such discussions before arriving on any increment.
NAN recalled that in October 2023, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) reduced a proposed 600 per cent increase in terminal charges to 400 per cent.

NAN reports that the reduction was done to balance the needs of shippers and terminal operators.

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Also, it will be recalled that NSC was responsible for regulating the Nigerian ports transportation system as well as to create an effective environment for Nigerian stakeholders.

NAN added that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council also established a complaints desk at all Nigerian seaports to resolve disputes quickly.

Port charges were fees collected by port authorities while port charges vary depending on the type of goods being imported.