An advocacy group, the National Compliance Joint Taskforce of Licensed Clearing Agents, NCJTFCLA has raised an alarm over discoveries on how shipping companies are exploiting freight forwarders, importers and exporters at the nation’s seaports.
The National President of NCJTFCLA, High Chief Dr. Basil Nwolisa who disclosed some of the discoveries in a statement in Lagos on Saturday accused the shipping companies of extorting money under the guise of technical glitches occasioned by unjustified server and network downtime.
According to Nwolisa, the shipping companies also do this by making excessive documentation demands including requesting for unnecessary documents like the International Passport and indemnities.
He further frowned at the development where shipping companies charge as high as over N9 million for auctioned containers leading to abandonment of such containers by their owners culminating in additional rent and demurrage.
“These practices undermine the benefits of the B’Odogwu system introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service”, he submitted.
The NCJTFCLA boss, therefore, urged the relevant authorities especially the Nigerian Shippers’ Council which doubles as the port economic regulator to investigate and address these unfair practices.
He equally called on the authorities to ensure compliance with regulations and protect the interest of freight forwarders, importers and exporters saying, “Let’s work together to create a fair and efficient trade environment.”
Photo: High Chief Dr. Basil Nwolisa, National President, NCJTFCLA.
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