Anxiety At Tin Can Port As Five Star Logistics Terminal Hikes Storage Charges

By DAPO OLAWUNI

Roll-on Roll-off vehicle terminal at Tin Can Island Port; Five Star Logistics Terminal has increased its storage charges, citing Nigeria economic downturn and Naira devaluation as reasons for the hike.

The upward review in storage charges according to the terminal, will affect all categories of cargoes with effect from 15th October 2023.

However, DAILY TREND gathered exclusively that freight forwarders are bracing up for a showdown with the terminal operators and this could eventually lead to shutdown of its entire operations.

The freight forwarders noted with concerns that is the second time in 2023 that Five Star Logistics Terminal is increasing its charges without the economic regulator, Nigerian Shippers Council or any agency doing anything about it.

In a circular sent to all agents and reveivers by the terminal operator on Saturday, a copy of which was cited by DAILY TREND, it states that “Due to current economic situation of our country, our operational expenses have increased exponentially as a result of inflationary pressures and Naira devaluation.

“The need to drive for improved service delivery has necessitated an upward review in storage charges for all cargoes with effect from 15th October 2023 as per below having obtained approval of relevant authorities.

“We greatly appreciate your co-operation and understanding.
We are dedicated to bringing you the best services”

The terminal has also gone ahead to provide its new rates as it concerns cargo storage.

For example, the 1st period now for imported vehicles have been increased from N2,000 per day to N10,000

Apart from this, the new rates so showed that any container that stays extra 5-days in Five Star Logistics Terminal will be made to pay N525,000 as additional charges, compare to N70,000 charged before.

Also, container last period is now paying N105,000 per day on last period.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has called for calm among its members, even as it vowed to look into the matter.

The Taskforce Chairman of Tin Can Port Chapter, Alhaji Rilwan Amuni stated that the information about the hike in charges is not limited to Five Star Logistics alone, adding that other terminals would follow suit.

He said there was no cause for alarm and that the association would resolve amicably with the terminal operator.

According to him, “The hike in charges was granted by the Nigerian Shippers Council according to our information.

“So, the Leadership of our amiable President (Emenike Nwokeoji) and his Vice President (Prince Segun Oduntan) are going to inaugurate a Committee tomorrow that will be in charge of Shipping and Terminal matters and they will start consultations with Shippers Council immediately.

“The NECOM urges all to be calm and wishes to inform all Members that they are on top of the matter, we shall no longer be taken for granted and never again will any organisation shave our head in our absence” he vowed