Some Licensed
Customs Agents on Friday in Lagos commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC)
downward review of the Progressive Storage Charges by terminal operators in
Nigerian seaports.
In separate
interviews, they said that the tariffs review was a proactive measure that
would enhance sustainable maritime business.
Mr Lucky
Amiwero, the President of the National Council of Managing Directors of
Licensed Customs Agents, said the decision would make positive impact on the
entire maritime chain trade system.
He said that while
NSC actions were commendable, maritime stakeholders expected more from the
ports economic regulator’s on the cost of doing business in Nigerian ports.
“The
Shippers’ Council has taken a right step to address some of the issues
challenging trade in Nigeria, but they should not rest on this alone,” Amiwero
said.
He also said
NSC current approach were part of the earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
between licensed customs agents signed a with port stakeholders on charges, for
trade facilitation.
“The
Memorandum of Understanding was based on improving the local shipping charges
in order to improve trade, and it is good that true action is taken in that
regard now,” he said.
He urged the
NSC to re-examine other issues particularly the current cumbersome processes
and procedures at the nation’s ports.
Also speaking,
Mr Uchu Block, Deputy President of the council said that the NSC has
proactively implemented policies that would leverage maritime business.
He said that
the terminal operators must be compelled to adhere to government directives aimed
at advancing international trade.
He warned that
the agents would picket terminal operators if they fail to carry out the government
directive.
“We are happy
with this development and hope that the terminal operators will comply as
directed, because if they do not, we will picket them.
“The Council
also did very well to tackle the issue of refunding container deposit within 10
days after the return of such containers.
“This used to
be a problem, but we hope that all that have been taken care of with this new
directive,” Block said.
