
Importers and exporters operating at the Eastern ports of the country have lamented the impending inflation following an alleged 200 per cent hike in haulage rate by the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC).
The operators unanimously threatened operational shut down and declared a seven-day ultimatum, asking the council to return to status quo by reversing the rate.
They made their position known to newsmen on Wednesday in Port Harcourt while analysing the impending inflation if the hike was not moderated.
Addressing newsmen on behalf of the group, Mr Joshua Ahuama, Zonal Coordinator, Association of Nigerian Customs Licenced Agents (ANLCA), said the meeting became necessary to enable the body collectively to reject the new rate as it contravened the provisions of the NSC Act.
According to him, stakeholders consultation is an integral provision of the agency’s Act
“Recently, the NSC had approved a 200 per cent increment in haulage rate for transport owners and drivers operating under the maritime union of Nigeria.
“To this end, importers and freight forwarders associations in the eastern zone have unanimously disputed the new rate because it is outrageous, arbitrary and unacceptable to all stakeholders in the zone.
“We have, however, resolved to adopt all peaceful efforts. We started this move on March 14 by calling on the NSC to ensure proper stakeholders engagement and renegotiation.
“These measures are also expected to help all parties reach a benchmark that would be in the interest of all stakeholders in the maritime value chain.
“We also urge the NSC to return to the status quo by suspending the implementation of the disputed rate pending proper renegotiation covering the interests of all stakeholders.
“We are not on a selfish course; our demands are in the interest of Nigerians because any slight increase in the haulage rate will reflect on the prices of goods in the open market. A businessman incorporates total logistic costs into the price of goods,” he said.
The group, however, said they might be constrained to take drastic measures that would include suspension of all declarations of goods and payment of customs duties, which could negatively affect national revenue and economic output.
Some members of the import and export associations who were present at the meeting included the Nigeria Shippers Association and the Aba International Traders Association.
Others are the Ultimate Importers Association, the POP Importers Association, the Nnewi Importers Association, and the Onitsha Importers Association. (NAN)