Shipping firms raise tariff by 25% as clearing agents lament

Licensed customs agents operating in the maritime sector have kicked against a 25 per cent tariff hike on imported vehicles and other consignments by Comet Shipping Agencies Nigeria Limited.

The shipping company in a notice to the agents, on Monday, said that the new fee would take effect from December 1, 2023.

Comet Shipping Agencies Nigeria Limited is one of the most successful indigenous shipping companies trading on Nigerian Waterways.

The notice read in part, “Effective 1st of December 2023, there will be an increase in our tariff. This adjustment is essential to enable us to continue delivering the exceptional services expected of us. We understand that changes in tariff may be challenging, and we want to assure you that we remain committed to providing the best possible services.”

The company in the notice, announced a 25 per cent increase in imported units of new cars up to 15cbm, raising the charges from the initial N6, 930 to N8, 622, while vans above 15-25cbm were raised from N10, 450 to N13, 062.

Reacting, the Chairman of the Port & Terminal Multipurpose Limited Terminal Chapter of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Mr. Thomas Alor, said, “The increase is much and it is going to drastically affect importation.”