As the Ports and Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML) Terminal, Tin Can Island Port Complex, Lagos, increased its handling charges by 50 percent, freight forwarding practitioners at the terminal have expressed support for the review.
While similar increment in charges usually elicit criticisms and protests, PTML was able to convince stakeholders via several engagements and the fact that the company hadn’t reviewed it’s fares in the last decade.
PTML is the biggest roll-on-roll-off (RORO) terminal in Nigeria, handling a sizable chunk of vehicles imported into the country.
In a joint communiqué issued on Friday after a meeting with the Managing Director of PTML, Ascanio Russo and his management team, major freight forwarding associations said special consideration must be given to PTML because it has not reviewed its charges for almost a decade.
After a meeting attended by representatives of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) led by its PTML Chapter Chairman, Samuel Obe and Sunny Ugorji; the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) represented by its PTML chapter chairman, George Okafor and Thomas Alor, while Emma Ohambele and Chinedum Ogueke represented the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN), the freight forwarding groups agreed that the terminal operator be supported to generate sufficient income to sustain the high quality service being rendered at the facility.
The joint communiqué reads: “That the initial plan of 100% from Grimaldi was considered but due to the effects, it will bear on the importer it was agreed for only 50% increase.”
“After a thorough explanation from the management of Grimaldi Agency (owners of PTML Terminal) on the urgent need for this increase, 50% was considered to be reasonable.”
“That the acceptance of this increase is based on the ever increasing high cost of operations as can be seen by every one in the industry. Grimaldi undertake to increase their drive towards the provision of world class logistics services to Nigeria and to provide more equipment and human management urgently where it is required.”
Grimaldi, however, assured the stakeholders that once they get the promised rebate from Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as promised during the COVID-19 peak period, more provisions of equipment will be made that will lead to reduction in operational cost.
The management of Grimaldi also thanked all stakeholders for the deliberations and understanding, encouraging various associations to ensure their members go about their business peacefully and assuring that no subsequent increment will be made without an interactive meeting.
