Hike in Shipping Agency Charges: ANLCA Tin Can Youth Leader Sue for Calm

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Youth Leader of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Tin Can Island Port Chapter, Hon Sikiru Remilekun has called on licensed agents to exercise calm in regards the increments in shipping charges from December 1st, 2023

DAILY TREND reported exclusively that one of the shipping agencies; Comet Shipping Agencies Nigeria Limited had in a memo last week announced that it was increasing its charges.

Hon Remilekun in a statement issued on Thursday assured that the Chairman of ANLCA Tin Can Port Chapter, Alhaji Muhammed Mojeed was already looking into the matter of increment with the shipping company and Five Star Logistics Terminal.

He noted that unlike Comet Shipping which is owned by Five Star Logistics Terminal, other terminals have already increased the charges.

“The memo that was rolled out by the Comet Shipping on the planned increase in shipping charges which is expected to commence on the 1st of December 2023 is true

“After speaking with the management, they confirmed the basic reasons on why the increment is necessary. We have pleaded on behalf of our members for a reduction on the percentage of the increments

“I have tabled the case on the table of the Tin Can Island Chairman, Alhaji Mojeed

“For further review, I carried out investigations in other RoRo terminal operators in order to compare their charges, and it was confirmed that they have already implemented the increments for some time now.

“The management of Five Star Logistics Limited run an open door policy compared to other terminal operators and are ready to listen if proper engagement is applied. I believe the ANLCA Tincan Chairman, Alh mojeed has waded into the matter for proper engagement.

Hon Remilekun said that generally, the port industry has been in a lull, because of the various government policies that are not friendly to importers and clearing agents.

“As i am talking to you now, more percentages has been affected from importation, import duties increased, terminal charges increased by 400% and shipping also” he said

A memo issued by Comet Shipping to all clearing agents reads
“EFFECTIVE 15” OF DECEMBER 2023, THERE WILL BE INCREASE IN OUR TARIFF. THIS ADJUSTMENT IS ESSENTIAL TO ENABLE US TO CONTINUE DELIVERING — EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES EXPECTED OF US.

“WE UNDERSTAND THAT CHANGES IN TARIFF May Be CHALLENGING, AND WE WANT TO ASSURE YOU THAT WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE BEST POSSIBLE SERVICES”