The Shippers Association Lagos State (SALS) has urged shipping lines and terminal operators to put on hold the proposed increases in service charges, citing ongoing litigation over unauthorised charges in the sector.

The shippers, in a statement signed by the former President of SALS, Jonathan Nicol, cautioned against any increment in fees before the final determination of the dispute that dates to 2014.

“We are aware that shipping lines and terminal operators are seeking to increase their service charges. However, these discussions should not proceed freely when an existing case is still before the Supreme Court,” the group said.

It also referenced a 600 per cent increase in terminal operators’ service fees, which was later adjusted to 400 per cent by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) two years ago.

The group noted that the sudden hike has confused the shipping and logistics sector.Given this history, the SALS stressed the importance of allowing the Supreme Court to rule on the matter when new increments are considered.

SALS has called on shipping lines, terminal operators and the NSC to refrain from making any changes to charges until the legal process is concluded.

https://guardian.ng/business-services/business/shippers-call-for-suspension-of-port-service-charges-increment/