FG Approves Rates Hike For Terminal Operators

Government has finally bowed to pressure from terminal operators and granted them some level of reviews in their rates.
However, one of the causalities of the terminal operators’ gains are the shipping companies which have been directed to stop collection of the controversial terminal handling charge. The charges which have also been review upwards will now be collected by the terminal operators, effective from April 15, 2011.

Government has finally bowed to pressure from terminal operators and granted them some level of reviews in their rates.
However, one of the causalities of the terminal operators’ gains are the shipping companies which have been directed to stop collection of the controversial terminal handling charge. The charges which have also been review upwards will now be collected by the terminal operators, effective from April 15, 2011.
Titled: “Approval for review of terminal charge”, the  circular which confirmed the review was signed by the executive director, marine and operations, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Aina Egharevba on behalf of managing director, Engr Omar Suleiman.   
The approval which has already been communicated to the terminal operators, a copy of which was sighted slightly by our correspondent indicated that it had the backing of the minister of transport, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman. It read in part: “I am pleased to convey the approval of the honourable minister of transport for the review of your terminal charges….”.The circular also directed shipping companies to stop collection of terminal handling charges. Effective April 15, 2011.
The circular also approved a 20 per cent hike in delivery charges for terminal operators handling general cargoes.
According to the circular, a yearly review is now done deal for the terminal operators. The letter confirmed that  “henceforth, the rates for these adjustments will be forwarded to you  within the first week of each year”, even as it also confirmed that the new terminal handling charge of  N45,500 per 20ft container and N67,500 per 40ft container is effective as from April 15,2011.