The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has debunked claims by freight forwarders that the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) tariff increment was not reviewed and approved before implementation.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) on Monday, said that the tariff increment implemented by the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) was duly reviewed and approved by the council.
The Council said in a statement that it ensured that the rates remain within the acceptable industry benchmark and align with prevailing economic realities.
The Council further expressed commitment to ensuring fair and competitive practices in the nation’s port sector while balancing the interests of terminal operators and port users.
According to the statement, the tariff increment implemented by WACT was duly reviewed and approved by the council.
He further stated that the review was conducted following rigorous assessment processes to ensure that the rates remain within the acceptable industry benchmark and align with prevailing economic realities.
The statement reads in full:
The attention of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has been drawn to recent publications making rounds on social media concerning the tariff review approval issued to the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in 2021 and 2023.
“As the economic regulator of the port sector, the Council considers it necessary to set the record straight and provide clarifications to avoid any misinformation.
1. Council’s Approval Within Industry Benchmark:
The tariff increment implemented by WACT was duly reviewed and approved by the NSC. The review was conducted following rigorous assessment processes to ensure that the rates remain within the acceptable industry benchmark and align with prevailing economic realities.
It is pertinent to note that the NSC, in its regulatory capacity, ensures that all approved tariff adjustments are fair, justifiable, and sustainable for both service providers and port users.
2. Consultation with Registered Clearing Agents:
According to WACT, before the implementation of the new tariff structure, WACT engaged extensively with the leadership of registered clearing agents in Onne, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (ARFFN), and the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA).
The discussions led to a mutual agreement that the implementation would be phased to ease the impact on port users.
3. Phased Implementation Agreement:
In adherence to this agreement, WACT initially implemented the first phase of the tariff increment, which was accepted by the service 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.
4. APFFLON’s Non-Participation in the Sensitization Programme:
The claim by APFFLON is misleading. According to WACT, APFFLON has, for two years, failed to obtain an introductory letter from the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), which is a prerequisite for recognition as an agent.
As such, their inability to participate in the stakeholder engagement process was due to their non-compliance with regulatory requirements and not an act of exclusion by WACT.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to its mandate of ensuring fair and competitive 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 our port operations.
Signed
Management.
