Importers and exporters operating at the country’s Eastern ports have lamented the impending inflation following an alleged 200 per cent hike in the haulage rate by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, threatening an operational shutdown and a seven-day ultimatum.

The businesspeople asked NSC to return to the status quo by reversing the rate.

They made their position known to journalists on Wednesday in Port Harcourt while analysing the impending inflation if the hike was not moderated.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the group, Joshua Ahuama, zonal coordinator of the Association of Nigerian Customs Licenced Agents (ANLCA), said the meeting became necessary to enable the body to reject the new rate collectively, as it contravened the provisions of the NSC act.

According to him, stakeholder consultation is integral to the agency’s act.

Mr Ahuama said, “Recently, the NSC approved a 200 per cent increment in haulage rate for transport owners and drivers operating under the Maritime Union of Nigeria. To this end, importers and freight forwarders associations in the eastern zone have unanimously disputed the new rate because it is outrageous, arbitrary, and unacceptable to all stakeholders in the zone.

“We have, however, resolved to adopt all peaceful efforts. We started this move on March 14 by calling on the NSC to ensure proper stakeholder engagement and renegotiation. These measures are also expected to help all parties to reach a benchmark that would be in the interest of all stakeholders in the maritime value chain.”

He added, “We also urge the NSC to return to status quo by suspending the implementation of the disputed rate, pending proper renegotiation covering the interest of all stakeholders.

“We are not on a selfish course. Our demands are in the interest of Nigerians because any slight increase in the haulage rate will reflect on the prices of goods in the open market. A businessman incorporates total logistic costs into the prices of goods.”

However, the group said they might be constrained to take drastic measures, including suspending all declarations of goods and payments of customs duties, which could negatively affect national revenue and economic output.

Some members of the import and export associations present at the meeting included the Nigeria Shippers Association, the Aba International Traders Association, the Ultimate Importers Association, the POP Importers Association, the the Nnewi Importers Association, and the the Onitsha Importers Association. 

(NAN)