Since we broke that story two weeks ago, virtually everyone that have so far spoken have condemned the introduction of what is largely perceived as yet another levy in the name of Cargo Tracking Levy into the nation’s port system.
Feelers have it that the brains behind the levy were able to convince the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of the desirability of ensuring that consignments destined for Nigeria were secured through the use of a device that can monitor the consignments from port of loading to destination.
As a matter of fact, the FEC had taken the decision as far back as December 9, 2009 when it agreed at its meeting that with effect from January 11, 2009, “every commodity loaded or unloaded (import and export) at or with Nigeria as the final destination has to, prior to shipment, obtain a Cargo Tracking Note or International Cargo Tracking document from a Nigerian Ports Authourity representative all around the world”
In a public notice which it eventual sent to all carriers and maritime agents, NPA unfolded the identity of the sole representative as Messrs Transport and Ports Management System (TPMS).
From our enquiries, the company is based in Belgium, with an agent in Germany. It was also discovered that the company is owned by a national of Benin Republic with a strong link to some Nigerians; probably in government or connected to those in government.
The Cargo Tracking Levy, (according to documents that are already in circulation to kick-off commencement of the levy) is 50Euro for shipments from Europe, 120Euro on shipments from other continents and 25Euro for documentation and service charge. And in the case of vehicles, the levy is 50Euro per vehicles of up to 5 tons unit weight, while any vehicles with unit weight that is in excess of 5 tons is expected to attract a levy of 100Euro.
From all indications, NPA is already in Talks with stakeholders on implementation and enlightenment, which we think is lacking in the introduction of the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN).
We commend NPA for taking the decision to meet with all relevant stakeholders; including members of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Shipping lines, freight forwarders and others.
A striking outcome of the series of meetings is the constitution of a technical committee that is expected to review and streamline the take-off of the collection.
Before, stakeholders fuss over what appear to be NPA’s gift to them for 2010, a few issues require a clear and objective appraisal. One of this is the fact that shipping lines have been collecting the CTN levy for close to seven years; albeit unknown to Nigerian shippers. Second is that the shipping lines that have been badly affected by the global economic meltdown will never let go of the CTN; they would rather frustrate all efforts being put up by NPA to ensure that the revenue comes into the coffers of Nigeria.
Rather than kick against the CTN, MAN, NACCIMA, freight forwarders and other stakeholders should take advantage of the oportunity that NPA has given for negotiations; after all, the CTN was being fraudulently collected by some shipping lines from shippers.
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