By Ajibola Adedoye
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council and representatives of various associations in the maritime industry, have ended a one day inclusive meeting for the review of haulage rates from the Eastern Ports to various destinations across the country.
In a communique signed by various association representatives and at the end of the meeting, which was held at Osborn LA-Palm Royal Resort, PortHarcourt, Rivers State on the 17th of April, 2024, the authorized representatives of shippers, truck owners,freight forwarders, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (Haulage Unit), and other associations that were present at the meeting resolved as follows:
“That in recognition of some gains that are currently being made in the ports access roads, exchange rates and diesel price adjustment, the two parties agreed to review the new haulage rates in the next stakeholders meeting.
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“That the appeal by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (Haulage Unit), for a two month period, to enable them consult and sensitize their members was granted.”
Having accepted the plea by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (Haulage Unit) by the shippers, freight forwarders and other stakeholders, it was further resolved that:
“The new haulage rates should not be forced on any stakeholder during the period under review.
“That the Maritime Workers Union Task Force should not compel anybody to implement the new rates within the agreed two (2) months, adding that “The concerned parties should meet amongst themselves and negotiate a realistic and acceptable rates to all parties and bring along for ratification and approval by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council during the next all inclusive stakeholders meeting,” the communique presented by Mr. James Atilola stated.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Glory Onojedo, South-South Zonal Coordinator, Nigerian Shippers’ Council opined that the essence of the review meeting was to accommodate more stakeholders, who complained of not been part of the earlier review.
He, in the meantime enumerated on the list of attendees at the meeting which include but not limited to the representatives of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), representatives of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (Haulage Unit) Eastern Ports, representatives of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), National Shippers’ Association of Nigeria ((NASAN) and National Council of Managing Directors Customs Agents (NCMDCA).
Others include: Association of Registered Freight Forwarders Nigeria (AREFFN), African Association of Registered Freight Forwarders & Logistics of Nigeria ((APFFLON), Truck Owners Association of Nigeria, Association of International Traders and Ultimate Importers (A.I.T), Automobile Manufacturers and Importers Association, Aba POP and Allied Product Dealers Association of Nigeria and Abia Freight Forwarders of Nigeria.
Some of the dignitaries at meeting include: Chief Dr. Innocent Akuvue, Chief Eze Mentus Mbonu,
Mr. Mike Ebeatu, Dr. Uche Ohaegbuchulem, Pastor Jerry Opara, Comr. Ngozi Uzohuo, Chief Emeka Nwosu, Sir. Joshua Ahuama, Chief Theodare Ejezie, Lady Chinyere Okere, Chief Ijere Ibiam and Comrade Adolphus Ugwu, Haulage District Chairman, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Eastern Ports, among others .
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