Freight Forwarders Restate Support for PTML Terminal Over New Charges

Freight forwarding practitioners at the Ports and Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML) Terminal have restated their support for the biggest vehicle terminal in Nigeria over the newly introduced charges at terminal, saying that they are totally in agreement with the terminal operator.

According to the freight forwarders, special considerations must be given to the fact that Grimaldi Shipping, owners of PTML Terminal, has not increased their charges for several years now.

Another reason given was that this increase in charges has become necessary to avoid a breakdown of the high level of logistics operations that PTML Terminal is known for.

These positions were stated in a joint communique which was issued on Friday after a meeting with the Managing Director of Grimaldi Shipping Nigeria, Mr Ascanio Russo, his management team and leaders of the freight forwarding associations.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) led by its Chapter Chairman, Elder Samuel Obe and Chief Sunny Ugorji. The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) was equally represented by its chapter chairman, Mr George Okafor and Thomas Alor.

Mr Emma Ohambele and Chinedum Ogueke represented the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN)

Recall that at the joint stakeholders meeting held on Wednesday 26 May 2021 at PTML Customs Command, the issue of the increase of handling charges by Grimaldi Agency was tabled and deliberated upon. It was resolved that each association should nominate 2 members each, to meet with Grimaldi Management and find a common ground on the above subject.

After an exhaustive and painstaking meeting of both parties on Friday, the following resolution was arrived at

“That the initial plan of 100% from Grimaldi was considered but due to the effect it will bear on the importer it was agreed for 50% increase”

“After a thorough explanation from the Management of Grimaldi Agency on the urgent need for this increase, 50% was considered to be reasonable”

“That the acceptance of this increase is based on the ever increasing high cost of operations as can be seen by every one in the industry”

“Grimaldi undertake to increase in their drive towards the provision of world class logistics services to Nigeria and to provide more equipments and human management urgently where it is required”

“Grimaldi assured the stakeholder that once they get the promised rebate from Nigeria Port Authority as promised during the covid – 19 peak period more provisions of equipments will be made that will lead to reduction in operational cost”

“The management of Grimaldi thank all stakeholders for this deliberations and understanding

“The representative’s of the various Association enjoined members to go about their business peacefully as always an assured that subsequently no increment will be made at the command without an interactive meeting”