Hike in Shipping Agency Charges: ANLCA Tin Can Youth Leader Sue for Calm

By Abiodun OBA

Members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Tin Can Island Port, have been enjoined to exercise calm over the proposed increment in shipping charges scheduled to take effect from today December 1st, 2023.

Recall, Comet Shipping Agencies Nigeria Limited had in a recent memo announced that it was increasing its charges.

The memo had stated, “Effective 15 of December 2023, there will be increase in our tariff.

“This adjustment is essential to enable us to continue delivering — exceptional services expected of us.

“We understand that changes in tariff may be challenging, and we want to assure you that we remain committed to providing the best possible services”.

ANLCA Youth Leader, Tin Can Island Port Chapter, Hon Sikiru Remilekun who made the call in a statement issued on Thursday, assured that the Chairman of the association, Tin Can Port Chapter, Alhaji Muhammed Mojeed has already taken up the issue with the shipping company and Five Star Logistics Terminal.

He noted that unlike Comet Shipping, which is owned by Five Star Logistics Terminal, other terminals have already increased the charges.

“The memo that was rolled out by the Comet Shipping on the planned increase in shipping charges which is expected to commence on the 1st of December 2023 is true.

“After speaking with the management, they confirmed the basic reasons on why the increment is necessary. We have pleaded on behalf of our members for a reduction on the percentage of the increments.

“I have tabled the case on the table of the Tin Can Island Chairman, Alhaji Mojeed.

“For further review, I carried out investigations in other RoRo terminal operators in order to compare their charges, and it was confirmed that they have already implemented the increments for some time now.

“The management of Five Star Logistics Limited run an open-door policy compared to other terminal operators and are ready to listen if proper engagement is applied. I believe the ANLCA Tincan Chairman, Alh Mojeed has waded into the matter for proper engagement,” he explained.

Hon Remilekun said that generally, the port industry has been in a lull, because of the various government policies that are not friendly to importers and clearing agents.

“As I am talking to you now, more percentages have been effected from importation, import duties increased, terminal charges increased by 400% and shipping also,” he said.