The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has clarified the recent tariff increase by the West African Container Terminal (WACT), emphasizing that the hike was approved after due consultation and regulatory review.
Approval Process and Justification
According to the NSC, WACT’s tariff adjustment followed a thorough assessment process to ensure compliance with industry benchmarks and economic realities.
“The review was conducted following rigorous assessment processes to ensure that the rates remain within the acceptable industry benchmark and align with prevailing economic conditions,” the NSC stated.
WACT had recently announced an 8% increase in terminal handling charges and a 100% rise in storage handling charges, effective from April 1st. The NSC reiterated that the approval was granted to ensure a fair and sustainable balance between service providers and port users.
Stakeholder Consultations
The council also highlighted that WACT engaged extensively with key stakeholders before implementing the new tariff structure. These included the leadership of:
- Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA)
- National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF)
- Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN)
- National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents
The discussions resulted in a phased implementation of the tariff increase to minimize the impact on port users.
“Following due consultations and considerations, the final phase of the agreed increment was scheduled for implementation after a one-month and two-week notice period given to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and adequate preparation,” the statement added.
NSC Dismisses APFFLON’s Allegations
The NSC also refuted claims by the Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), describing them as misleading.
According to the council, APFFLON failed to obtain the required introductory letter from the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), which is a prerequisite for official recognition.
“Their inability to participate in the stakeholder engagement process was due to non-compliance with regulatory requirements and not an act of exclusion by WACT,” the statement clarified.
Commitment to Fair and Competitive Port Operations
The NSC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring fair, competitive, and transparent practices in the port sector while balancing the interests of terminal operators and port users.
“We urge stakeholders to engage constructively and in accordance with regulatory frameworks to enhance efficiency in port operations,” the council concluded.
