National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The recent hike in charges by French shipping company CMA CGM has sparked concerns among importers and clearing agents in Nigeria.
The company cited the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) 15% increase in Port and Marine Fees as the reason for the increment.
According to CMA CGM, the new charges will take effect on March 10, 2025.
The revised rates include N145,327 for a 20ft container and N290,654 for a 40ft container.
These changes are expected to significantly impact importers, who will likely pass on the increased costs to consumers.
Frank Ogunojemite, National President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), expressed concerns that the hike will exacerbate the economic burden on Nigerians.
He noted that higher shipping and terminal charges will lead to increased costs for importers and exporters, ultimately affecting consumers.
Ogunojemite emphasized the need for the NPA to intervene, stating that the authority had initially assured that the 15% hike would not result in additional charges at the ports.
He warned that if left unchecked, other shipping companies may follow suit, further increasing the financial burden on importers and consumers.
Olayiwola Shittu, a former National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), attributed the increment to the Federal Government’s policies.
He predicted that the hike would have far-reaching consequences on importation, leading to increased costs for clearing cargoes from ports.
As the situation unfolds, importers and consumers alike will be closely watching the developments, hoping for a resolution that mitigates the financial impact of the increased charges.
