Licensed Customs Agents on Friday in Lagos commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) for the downward review of the Progressive Storage Charges by terminal operators in Nigerian seaports.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that the tariff 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 have positive impact on the entire maritime chain trade system.
He said that while the NSC’s actions were commendable, maritime stakeholders expected more from the regulator on the cost of doing business in Nigerian ports.
“The Shippers’ Council has taken a right step to addressing some of the issues challenging trade in Nigeria, but they should not rest on this,” Amiwero said.
He also said that the current approach by the NSC was part of the earlier Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between licensed customs agents, signed 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 urged the NSC to re-examine other issues, particularly the current cumbersome processes and procedures at the ports.
Also speaking, Mr Uchu Block, Deputy President of the council, said that the NSC had proactively implemented policies that would leverage maritime business.
He said that terminal operators must be compelled to adhere to government’s directives aimed at advancing international trade.
He warned that agents would picket terminal operators if they failed to carry out government’s 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 deposits 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. (NAN)
Source : Leadership