The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) on Monday, defended the proposed tariff increment by the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), a subsidiary of APM Terminal.
The Onne Port- based terminal operator had given its customers a notice to increase its Terminal Handling Charges(THC) and Storage Charges effective from April 1st, 2025.
In a statement on Monday, NSC explained that the proposed tariff increment by WACT was duly approved, legitimate and within the industry benchmark.
“As the economic regulator of the port sector, the Council considers it necessary to set the record straight and provide clarifications to avoid any misinformation.
“The Council’s Approval is within Industry Benchmark and the tariff increment
implemented by WACT was duly reviewed and approved by the NSC.
“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”
The Council also debunked insinuation that the terminal operator did not consult its service users, especially the registered clearing agents to sensitise them over the pending increment.
“According to WACT, prior to
the implementation of the new tariff structure, WACT 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 (CMD).
“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 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 Council noted.
The NSC further dismissed the claim of non- participation by APFFLON in the sensitization programme as 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 own non-compliance with regulatory requirements and not an act of exclusion by WACT.
“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to its mandate of ensuring fair and competitive practices in the port sector while balancing the interests of terminal operators and port users.
“We urge stakeholders to engage constructively and in accordance with regulatory frameworks to enhance efficiency in our port operations”.
