Shipper’s Council Sets To Reduce Port Charges By 35%

The Executive Secreatry and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Hassan Bello has disclosed plans to reduce the shipping cost in Nigerian seaports in the month of October, by 35%

 

Bello disclosed this at the third maritime stakeholders interactive forum held in Lagos, Thursday.

 

Whilst informing the minister of Transportation, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi the harsh business environment faced by private investors operating in the maritime industry, he added that the high cost of doing business in Nigeria has made importers to relocate their cargoes to neighbouring countries.

 

He therefore called on the federal government to create an enabling environment for private sector operators as well as reduce cost so that Nigeria can have a comparative advantage.

 

In the same vein, Bello enjoined sea terminal operators to tow the line of shipping agencies by reviewing their own costs and bring it down to make the port competitive with other African countries.

 

Hassan said, “Cost is driving cargoes put of Nigeria. We have to have comparative advantage because we are equally competing with the ports in neighbouring countries

 

“We have negotiated with the shipping companies and thirty five percent of the costs as will disappear by next month.

 

“I am also appealing to terminal operators to also come up and discuss the cost and see what can be done.

 

“The government owes responsibility to private sector to create a conducive atmosphere for their operations.

 

“The operating environment in Nigeria is a little bit harsh and I am being honest about it.

 

“We need also to check the excesses of government agencies especially their charges. NPA has no right to collect any charge without coming to Nigerian shippers Council bit sometimes they go to the ministry and it is approved and this has direct consequences on the charges

 

“I will like as your concentration on the maritime industry,” he said.