Freight Forwarders in Port Harcourt ports, under the aegis of Shipping Trade Group has raised alarm over what they describe as low vessel traffic to the port, even as they lament the lack of uniformity in freight charges.
Freight Forwarders in Port Harcourt ports, under the aegis of Shipping Trade Group has raised alarm over what they describe as low vessel traffic to the port, even as they lament the lack of uniformity in freight charges.
Speaking with Shipping Position Daily correspondent in Port Harcourt last week, Chairman of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in Port Hracourt port; Mr. Ngozi Uzohuo expressed shock at the present cargo congestions at Lagos ports, while Port Harcourt port and other Eastern ports continue to suffer low vessel traffic.
He however blamed the disparity in port freight charges as the factor militating against increase in vessel traffic, even as he accused those he called ‘vested interests’ in the West of being responsible for this tariff differential as a way to kill Eastern Ports.
“Tariff for a 20ft container in Port Harcourt ports is charged $2,500, while same 20ft container at Lagos ports is charged a paltry of $2,000 only. This is absurd. One country, different port tariffs”, Mr Ngozi Uzohuo lamented.
He said that before now, Nigerian ports used to be a level playing ground for all operators, wondering why a vessel that sailed into Port Harcourt from Germany should be made to pay higher tariff than the one that landed at Lagos ports from the same destination.
Mr. Uzohuo therefore appealed to appropriate government agencies to harmonize the tariffs between Lagos and Port Harcourt ports.
He dismissed insinuations in some quarters that there is insecurity at the Port Harcourt ports. “This is pure propaganda, there is no security challenges at Port Harcourt Ports”, the NAGAFF Chairman said.
On his part, another stakeholder; Mr Charles Inwang agreed that there is a steady decline of vessels coming to Port Harcourt port, while stressing the need for the authorities to find solutions and address disparities in tariff charges between Eastern ports and Lagos ports.
Another operator; Mr Isreal N Maduchere also shares the same sentiments on why importers refuse to rout their cargo through Port Harcourt port. “These differentials in tariff between Lagos ports and Eastern ports must be addressed, if Port Harcourt ports must operate maximally”, he stated.
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