The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has reassured stakeholders that the Federal Government is committed to ensuring the success of haulage businesses in the nation’s seaports. The council has approved negotiated and reviewed haulage rates from Eastern ports to various destinations in the country, taking into account cost moderation and cargo transport issues. The negotiations were conducted harmoniously, and the agreed-upon rates were acceptable to all parties, including freight forwarders and truck owners.
Speaking at the meeting in Lagos, Barrister Akutah Pius, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, commended the stakeholders for their concerted efforts in negotiating the haulage rates from Eastern Ports to other destinations. He praised their commitment to advancing the country despite the challenges faced in the haulage business. Akutah took the opportunity to call on the stakeholders to support the Federal Government’s aspiration to transform the maritime sector, emphasizing that it remains a valuable asset for the nation’s economy with ongoing government efforts to foster its development.
Key stakeholders present at the meeting included the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, National Council of Managing Directors of Customs Agents, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria, Truck Owners Association of Nigeria, Maritime Workers Union, and General Goods Transporters Association of Nigeria.
Notably, during the 2022 review period, the cost of AGO (diesel oil) was at N300 per liter, and the exchange rate was USD $1 to N400. However, following the 2022 exercise, the price of AGO per liter started to rise significantly, currently ranging between N1,500 and N1,700. Consequently, truck owners began to advocate for a review of the haulage rates.
After several meetings with stakeholders to negotiate the haulage rates, the matter was ultimately resolved through the intervention of the Ports Economic Regulator. The President of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, commended Barrister Akutah for his contributions to the development of the maritime sector since assuming the role of Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. He expressed full support for the CEO in achieving his goals for the maritime sector.
