Hike in Haulage Rate Will Further Raise Inflation, Say Freight Forwarders

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Importers and exporters operating at the Eastern ports of the country, have  lamented the impending rise in inflation, following an alleged 200 per cent hike in haulage rate by the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC).
The operators unanimously threatened operational shutdown and declared a seven- day ultimatum if the council does not return to status quo by reversing the rate.

Speaking to journalists on behalf of the group in Port Harcourt, Zonal Coordinator, Association of Nigeria Licenced Custom Agents (ANLCA), Mr Joshua Ahuama, said the meeting became necessary to enable the body collectively 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 an pd should be respected.

He said: “Recently, the NSC 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 association 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 to 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 status quo by suspending the implementation of the disputed rate,  pending proper renegotiation covering the interest of all stakeholders.
“We are not on a selfish course, our demands are in the interest of Nigerians  because any slight increase on haulage rate will reflect on prices of goods in the open market. A businessman incorporates  total logistic costs into prices of goods.”
The group, however, said it might be constrained to take drastic measures that would include suspension of all declaration of goods and payment of customs duties, which could negativity affect national revenue and economic output.

Some members of the import and export association who were present at the meeting included; Nigeria Shippers Association, Aba International Traders Association, Ultimate Importers Association, POP Importers Association, Nnewi Importers Association and Onitsha Importers Association.

Others were; African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), RF Transportation Incorporated, ANLCA, amongst others.