By Foster Obi
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has scheduled a meeting with shipping companies operating in Nigeria on Monday October 15, 2018 over planned introduction of congestion surcharge on Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports by some of these companies.
NSC which made this known in a statement signed by the Director Special Duties, Mr. Ignatius Nweke said the meeting was in line with Council’s statutory function of regulating tariffs, rates, charges and other related economic services at the Nigerian Ports.
It noted that the meeting would afford the organisation an opportunity to examine this controversial issue which would add to the costs of doing business at Ports.
It would be recalled that some Shipping Companies had recently issued a notice to Shippers on the introduction of congestion surcharge of $400 per container on Lagos bound cargoes.
CMA CGM for instance announced to importers and clearing agents last Sunday that from Oct. 15 cargoes from any part of the world on EMA CGM ships will attract extra “USD 400 / EUR 850 per 20′ Dry and Reefer and USD 400 / EUR 350 per 40′ Dry and Reefer.
The company said this action was based on the interruption of its activities caused by congestion at Lagos ports.
Pix: Nigeria Shippers Council, Headquarters, Lagos
