The Shippers’ Association Lagos State (SALS) has appreciated the contributions made by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as well as other stakeholders towards the suspension of the Peak Season Surcharge slammed on Nigerian bound cargoes by the shipping lines.
Speaking in a statement issued in Lagos yesterday, the SALS President, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Nicol observed that the Peak Season Surcharge greeted them with a major threat to their corporate existence with a 400% increase in freight costs adding that they were not prepared for the sudden increase.
He said, “As expected, all hands were on deck as the Group Managing Director of Dangote conglomerate alerted the Shipping Trade Community in Nigeria. This increase would deal a major impact on Industry and other commodities if allowed to remain.
“We write to express our deepest appreciation to you, especially – the Nigerian Shippers Council, the Nigerian Ports Authority and our trusted friends, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, NACCIMA, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the maritime media community, the freight forwarders’ associations and the shipping lines in particular for their concerted efforts resulting in the withdrawal of the Peak Period Surcharge of 2020.
“This also extends to all our partners who were miffed with the sudden surcharge. Our collective efforts in tackling the problem succeeded. We salute the courage of Messrs Maersk Line who started the withdrawal followed by: MSC, CGM CMA
“The Shippers’ Association Lagos State thanks you all for your support. By this action, we have shown that we can indeed collectively solve any problems no matter how complicated they may be if we come together as one.”
“We are proud of the Nigerian Shippers Council and the Nigerian Ports Authority for the auspicious achievement in this respect.
“Our appreciation will be incomplete without a big thank you to the Shipping Lines who reversed the Peak Period Surcharge as we await other Shipping Lines to follow suit”, he added.
Photo: Shippers’ Association Lagos State President, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Nicol.
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