Shippers’ Council Blames Freight Forwarders For Maritime Inadquacies

T

he Nigeria Shippers’
Council (NSC) last Tuesday said that lack of professionalism among freight forwarders was negatively affecting their operations.

The council Deputy Director (Public Relations), Mr Ignatius Nweke, made the observation in an interview  in Lagos on Tuesday.

According to him, many freight forwarders lack the requisite skills needed to operate professionally in their daily assignments.

Nweke made the observation while reacting to allegations that NSC had failed to protect shippers and properly regulate activities of concessionaires.

“Nobody feels happy that an operator is suffering. If you have a proof that you have been over charged or treated unlawfully, inform the NSC,’’ he said.

He said that allegations by freight forwarders over alleged increase in tariff, excess charges and extortion were without justification and evidence.

Nweke said that all formal complaints against terminal operators to the council had received documented response.

“In June 2013, we received a petition from Wali Waziri and Sons Ltd in Apapa against APM terminal on poor handling of cargoes, resulting in excess demurrage and by November, the matter was settled.

“Other issues like that of Pao Olusola International Ventures in Palm groove wrote a complaint to the council in January and the issue was resolved in April.

“Vistalin Nigeria Ltd, Apapa, wrote to the council in October and same month the issue was settled.

“Frank Ventures in Oworosoki wrote in December 2012 and the issue was resolved in February 2013,’’ he said.

Nweke said some of the operators’ grievances included delay in physical examination, cargo vandalism, fraudulent cargo clearance, delay in accepting returned empty containers, cargo loss, unjustifiable excessive demurrage and other shipping charges.

He urged freight forwarders to support and collaborate with the NCS to ensure effective business operation in the maritime sector.