APFFLON REJECTS NEW HAULAGE RATES FOR EASTERN SEAPORTS APPROVED BY NIGERIAN SHIPPER’S COUNCIL
…calls for downward review
By Mcanthony Onuoha
Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria- APFFLON, has rejected the new haulage rate from Eastern Seaports to various destinations across the country approved by Nigerian Shipper’s Council- NSC.
The negotiated and reviewed haulage rates which have been approved by the Nigerian Shipper’s Council were said to be in consideration of current cost moderation and cargo transport issues. According to our reporter, the negotiations were harmonious and the rates agreed upon were acceptable by all parties, including freight forwarders and truck owners.
Addressing a meeting in Lagos on Thursday, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shipper’s Council, Barr. Akutah Pius, commended the Stakeholders for their effort towards negotiating the haulage rates from Eastern Ports to other destinations.
The Executive Secretary applauded the Stakeholders for their commitment to move the country forward despite the challenges they are facing in their haulage business.
In his reaction, the National President of APFFLON, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, described the new haulage rates as outrageous and a clear reflection of gross insensitivity on the parts of those who sat at the negotiation table and the Shipper’s Council as an agency of the Federal Government.
The National president of APFFLON expressed dissatisfaction with the new rates and urged the Nigerian Shipper’s Council to quickly make a downward review of the rates which he said did not reflect the present economic reality. He stated the Shipper’s Council Boss was mislead into giving his approval to the rates.
According to Ogunojemite, ” the new rate will emasculate business at this particular time, l want to urge Nigerian Shipper’s Council to quickly carry out a downward review of the charges as they do not represent the interest of the generality of the people nor reflect the current economic reality.”
According to our reporter, Stakeholders present at the meeting which was held on Monday, 4th of March, 2024 at NSC SSZCO, Porthacourt, River State, were National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders-NAGAFF, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents-ANLCA, National Council of Managing Directors of Customs Licensed Agents- NCMDLCA, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria- ARFFN, Truck Owners Association of Nigeria, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria- MWUN and General Goods Transport Association of Nigeria.
Continuing, Ogunojemite cautioned the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shipper’s Council on leaving bad legacies at the Agency and advised him to trade with caution in taking certain decisions in order not to mare his reputation. He called on the CEO to go round and feel the pulse of the people before giving his approval to certain proposals.
According to Ogunojemite, the new haulage rates are unrealistic as some of them have additional 140% increase when compared with the old rates. He cautioned the Chief Executive Officer on allowing people who do not mean well for the maritime industry to ruin his reputation.
Furthermore, Ogunojemite stressed the need for implementation of policies with human face, especially at a time when people are struggling to feed. ” The biting economic situation must be considered in whatever decision we are taking, people are struggling to feed, there is hardly a family that can boast of affording three square meal a day. Generally, times are hard, so coming up with new rates that are 140% higher is a reflection of gross insensitivity on the parts of those who sat at the negotiation table and the Nigerian Shipper’s Council that approved such rates, and APFFLON is never a party to such anti people policy that will not facilitate trade as it is also not in line with the Executive Order on Ease of Doing Business.” He stated.
On the demand for improved Maritime Workers welfare, the National President of APFFLON appealed to the Federal Government to look into the matter as the present economic reality calls for upward review of salaries and emoluments of Nigerian workers in all sectors of the economy.
According to Ogunojemite, “the current value of the Naira is something to worry about. Workers are going through hell as their monthly earnings can not even put quality food on their table not to talk of other primary needs. “
