The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has described as hypocritical the activities of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) against the increment of cargo handling charges by both the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) saying kicking against the tariff is insensitive.
Recall that activities at the handling companies have been grounded since 25th of last month as ANLCA and NAGAFF kicked against the 100 percent increment and have shut down their operation.
The agitation made the aviation handling companies reduced the increment to 75 percent which are still being rejected by the clearing agents.
However, briefing newsmen in Lagos on Thursday, the chairman APFFLON, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos; Mr Victor Akorede, said the aviation companies are not immune from the harsh economic situation in the country.
He however, said that those kicking against the new tariff regime were being hypocritical.
He said the increment in the tariff was because the companies had to adjust to the harsh economy of the country.
“Again, we are all aware of the setback and havoc wreaked on International businesses by Covid-19, and cargo handling companies were not excluded.
“Today, prices of passenger tickets across airlines have increased to over 300 percent, yet nobody or group is coming out to protest against the development.
“The continued plunging of naira against the dollar and other world currencies is causing serious inflation which is adversely affecting businesses as well.
“Price comparison with other African countries as regards cargo handling charges shows it is almost at par or a bit higher than that of our indigenous companies,” he said.
Akorede recalled that in 2019, APFFLON went to court seeking to stop the same increment due to the insufficient reason behind it at that time.
He said it was disturbing that ANLCA leadership was not standing up against multiple taxation on imported vehicles in the country.
“Our sister associations are being insensitive to the plights of the cargo handlers as well, because on one or two occasions, some of the staff of one of the companies went on strike over poor working condition.
“This was a clear indication that the harsh government policies and galloping inflation also affect them as they affect individuals and private enterprises,” he added.
Akorede assured the aviation community that their members would continue to render services to clients as professionals and law abiding citizens.
He said: “APFFLON, as an advocate of Ease of Doing Business internationally, does not see anything insensitive about the newly introduced tariff regime, those threatening to withdraw their services should also bear in mind that Aviation handling companies are not government companies, and being affected by the harsh economy situation as well, they are at liberty to fashion out ways to remain in business. The companies have staff in their employ, and as public liability companies, they as well, have shareholders who are entitled to return on investment.
Indeed, APFFLON is amazed that despite several engagements and agreement with handlers they can still allow their internal wrangling to affect their decisions. And we need to ask, why have our sister associations been unable to find their voices even as the Federal Government continues to slam fresh levies on imported vehicles as well as the prolonged stay of the controversial Customs Service Provider, Messrs.Webb Fontaine, why have they not been bold enough to protest ?
“It is indeed disturbing not seeing the leadership of these associations stand up to condemn multiple taxation on imported vehicles and sundry products by the Federal and state governments, we believe strongly that they are also aware of the V-REG and the new levy called Temporary Vehicle Tag(TVT) slammed on all imported vehicles coming out of Lagos ports by the Lagos State Government; and none of them has come out to condemn the new levy, except Dr. Eugene Nweke.
“APFFLON as a group, will not be part of those kicking against the Aviation handling companies new tariff regime, we see the agitation as hypocritical.
“Our sister associations are being insensitive to the plights of the cargo handlers as well, because on one or two occasions, some of the staff of one of the companies went on strike over poor working condition which was a clear indication that the harsh government policies and galloping inflation also affect them as it affects individuals and private enterprises.
APFFLON understands the current economic situation which is informed by the galloping inflation that keeps dealing a dazing blow on entrepreneurs, and corporate organizations, we must commend the handling companies for downward review of the initial 100 percent increase to 75 percent. It shows that they are sensitive to the plight of their customers.
“APFFLON hereby advise our sister associations to be alive to their responsibilities; they owe freight forwarders, the port industry and Nigerians a lot especially in a time like this when multiple taxation and inflation are emasculating businesses, we lament the skyrocketing market prices of household items which is grossly affecting the live and livelihood of the common man and we call upon the leaderships of sister associations to always stand up in one voice against unfriendly policies, not only when they do not favour them.”
“In conclusion, we want to assure the Aviation community and the general public that our members will continue to render services to clients as professionals and law abiding citizens, and we also want to use this medium to appreciate the security agencies especially the Nigeria Police Force for ensuring peace and security as always.” he said.
Follow us on Facebook/ twitter
