Covid-19: Shippers call for 35 per cent reduction in shipping charges

Segun Oladipupo |

Shippers Association Lagos State, has called for 35 percent reduction in shipping charges owing to life threatening situation under which its members are working in the country.

This call is coming barely 24 hours after the Nigerian Shippers Council obtained commitment from truck owners to slash their charges by 30 percent.

SALS also appealed to commercial banks operating in Apapa to open at least twice a week while the lockdown lasts, to help clear the backlog of shipping documents pending with shippers and their agents.

Reverend Jonathan Nicol made the call on Thursday in Lagos in a release made available to our correspondent.

Nicol also asked shipping staff of various enterprises to pick shipping documents and conduct Duty and Terminal Fee Payments to compliment the efforts of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in cargo clearance, especially for Industries.

“Shippers Association Lagos State will be glad if banks are opened at least twice weekly to discharge a lot of Shipping Documents and indeed confirmation of Duty and Terminal payments. There are levels of actions smaller Branches of Banks can discharge. We also call on Order.

“Much as we are concerned about the current precautionary health conditions, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council representing Government directives would need your support in this respect.

“In addition, Shippers Associations in Nigeria would like the 35% reduction from the Shipping Companies charges as speculated some time ago by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council on a Memorandum of Agreement.

“We hope we are working, especially now, under very life-threatening conditions, a sacrifice that should be appreciated by Government. Everyone who wishes Nigeria well should contribute towards the welfare of our economy.

“The informal sector is doing a great job by their current efforts in clearing their cargo, as directed. They should be encouraged,” he stated.

Editing by ‘Biodun Soyele