Truck owners slash cost of carriage of goods by 30 percent - NSC

Segun OLADIPUPO

As part of measures to cushion the effect of lockdown on port workers and Nigerians in general, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council appealed to truck owners to review the cost of carriage of goods in the port.

According to a statement made available to our correspondent by the Deputy Director, Public Relations of the council, Rakiya Zubairu, the truckers agreed to review the cost down by 30 percent.

The management of Nigerian Shippers’ Council also charged the truckers on the need to adhere to health and safety guidelines during this period of COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement read, “Council observed that truckers were not taking specified precautions as issued by health authorities. They were reminded of their potential to spread the virus in the course of their travels across Nigeria.

“Another important issue discussed with the haulers was moderation/standardisation of haulage rates.

“NSC management said the meeting was convened to discuss these twin issues.

“In the course of the one-hour meeting, the haulers brought to the attention of the Council the various problems confronting them. These problems range from extortion, laxity on the part of freight forwarders to the current all-present fear of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was agreed at the meeting that truckers’ haulage rates be reviewed downwards by thirty percent during the lockdown period.

“The haulers agreed with the Council that the light road traffic makes their work easier.

“The management of the Council assured them that it would look into all their concerns with a view to finding lasting solutions for the benefit of all stakeholders,” the statement concluded.

Editing by ‘Biodun Soyele