Shippers Council Sets to Review Haulage Rates for Nigerian Ports, As AMATO Advocates for Marshalling Yards

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has confirmed that it is actively reviewing haulage rates, aiming to establish fairer and more sustainable pricing, even as the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) have called for establishment of Truck marshalling yards to cushion the effects of traffic congestion at the port.

This announcement came when a Shippers Council delegation led by Mr. Zubair Magaji, Director of Inland Transport paid a working visit at the AMATO Secretariat in Apapa Lagos on Tuesday, 24th of June 2025.

During the crucial meeting with the port truckers, the NSC team highlighted the government’s commitment to address long-standing inefficiencies and economic pressures on transporters.

According to a statement made available to DAILY TREND by the National Secretary of AMATO, Mr Mohammed Bala Sanni, the Shippers Council Director of Inland Transport, Zubair Magaji acknowledged the critical role AMATO plays in the maritime haulage sector.

He emphasized that the review of haulage rates is part of broader efforts to tackle systemic inefficiencies within the logistics chain, particularly issues surrounding the electronic call-up (e-call-up) system that has contributed significantly to port congestion and operational bottlenecks.

“The move to review haulage rates is a welcome development for truck owners, who have long advocated for adjustments to reflect the escalating cost of operations, particularly the fluctuating price of diesel” Bala stated

While the specifics of the proposed new rates were not disclosed, the NSC team at the meeting made a commitment to ensuring fairness and sustainability of the rates in line with current economic realities impacting transporters.

The meeting, held at the AMATO Secretariat in Apapa, Lagos, also saw Chief Remi Ogungbemi, National President of AMATO, underscore the necessity of a dedicated truck marshalling yard as a key solution to logistical challenges.

Responding to this, Mr. Magaji confirmed that this proposal, which would alleviate the notorious Apapa gridlock and prevent a similar crisis along the burgeoning Lekki corridor, has been given serious consideration by the NSC and a report forwarded to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for approval.

Beyond haulage rates, the discussions also touched upon critical issues such as
Electronic Call-Up System Refinements where Calls were made for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to integrate advanced technologies like e-tags and a truck Scheduler System to improve truck access to ports and reduce gridlock visibility.

According to the AMATO Secretary, other matters discussed during the meeting included “Combatting Extortion and Insecurity, here, members raised concerns about multiple extortion checkpoints and the escalating problem of insecurity on port access roads, including container burgling and diversion of cargoes, urging the NSC to intervene.

“On the issue of Container Triangulation, members addressed the criminal approach adopted by some agents to container triangulation, agreeing that such issues are civil in nature and should be handled accordingly”

An highlight of the event was the presentation of a plaque of leadership to the Director of Inland Transport in appreciation for the NSC’s visit and ongoing partnership.

In his vote of thanks, Hon. Moruf Raheem, Deputy President of AMATO expressed gratitude to the NSC delegation for their insightful contributions and commitment to resolving challenges raised by truckers.

He also thanked AMATO members for their active participation.

The meeting concluded with a pledge for continued collaboration between the NSC and AMATO, signaling a shared vision for a more streamlined and efficient maritime sector in Nigeria.