The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) on Tuesday has suspended the $400 surcharges made by some shipping companies on Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports after a closed door meeting held in Lagos.
Mr Hassan Bello, the Executive Secretary of NSC disclosed this in an interview in Abuja.
According to him, “We had a meeting yesterday with the shipping companies that introduced the charges, we are still meeting again but what we said was that whether they are surcharges or local charges, it must be cleared with the council.
“The procedures was not followed, so the shipping companies will go back to their principal, the carriers that are oversee to convey the outcome.
“They cannot just charge arbitrary, first of all shippers council opposed the charges especially because of the economy, secondly, the procedures is wrong, you can’t slam charges without telling us.
“So we told them to suspend or stop the charges and consult their principal before the next meeting.” He further disclosed that, another meeting will be held to conclude on the matter on ground.
Recall that CMA CGM had announced to importers and clearing agents that from Oct. 15 cargoes from any part of the world on EMA CGM ships will attract extra “USD 400 / EUR 850 per 20′ Dry and Reefer and USD 400 / EUR 350 per 40′ Dry and Reefer.
The action was based on the disruption of its activities due to the congestion in the two Lagos ports.
(NAN)