Nigerians could be in for more turbulent times as the Nigerian Shippers Council on Tuesday announced the increase of Break bulk cargo charges by 125 per cent amid the ongoing economic meltdown.
NSC explained that this was part of the resolutions made on Tuesday in a meeting between terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders and other relevant stakeholders on the way forward for the sector.
According to the council, the charge adjustment reflects the changing dynamics within the industry.
‘Break bulk cargo charges have been increased from 125% to 250 per cent. This adjustment reflects the changing dynamics of the industry and ensures fair compensation for services provided.
‘All complaints regarding inefficiencies by the terminal operators will be addressed immediately. This commitment aims to improve overall operations and enhance customer satisfaction’, the resolution partly reads.
Read Also: Oyetola Laments Over 6000 Cargoes Abandoned At Lagos Ports
The development comes despite shippers’ groaning on exorbitant cargo charges in Nigeria’s ports.
In a related development, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has cried out over the over 6000 cargoes abandoned at the Lagos seaports.
He said that most of the cargoes have been abandoned in Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports since 2011, stressing that the abandonment does not make economic sense.
The Minister made this disclosure on Wednesday during his visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) headquarters in Lagos, adding that there is need to engage Nigeria Customs Service on the best ways to evacuate the cargoes in order to free up the space at the Ports.
According the Minister, long bureaucratic processes and corruption are some factors that have elongated cargo clearance time thereby frustrating shippers and leading to the jettisoning of containers at ports. The Minister, however, assured that he would engage the leadership of the NCS on the issue in a bid to evacuate the overtime cargoes and address other bottlenecks.