Following the visit to some shipping companies over issues of poor productivity anchored on factors beyond the control of shippers, particularly bad port access roads, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) had said it would seek the suspension of demurrage for shippers.
The Executive Secretary, Mr Hassan Bello, indicated this in a press statement signed by Mrs Rakiya Zubairu, NSC Head of Public Relations, on Thursday, last week.
Our correspondent learnt that this decision was in furtherance of Bello’s objective after the recent visits to some of the shipping companies and terminals, among which other things, examined the effect of the Apapa gridlock on shippers’ businesses, particularly as the year ends.
According to Bello, NSC will seek the suspension of demurrage on behalf of shippers.
“The terrible condition of the roads has made it impossible for shippers to clear goods from terminals within the three days allowed as well as return empty containers within four days,” he said.
Bello said that the condition of the roads had resulted in a hectic traffic around the ports, thereby frustrating the shippers in the performance of their obligations.
