APFFLON raises alarm over new haulage rates …Rejects new rates approved by Nigerian Shippers’ Council

APFFLON raises alarm over new haulage rates
…Rejects new rates approved by Nigerian Shippers’ Council
…Accuses negotiators, NSC of gross insensitivity

The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria- APFFLON, has raised alarm over the new haulage rates from Eastern Seaports to various destinations across the country approved by Nigerian Shippers’ Council- NSC.

The National President of APFFLON,
Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, raised this concern, saying that his group
has rejected the new haulage rates because the increase is outrageous.

Otunba Ogunojemite, who expressed strong displeasure over the latest development, said the new rates do not reflect the current economic realities in the country.

Speaking further on the issue, he frowned; “the negotiated and reviewed haulage rates, which had been approved by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, said to be in consideration of current cost moderation and cargo transport issues do not reflect the current realities.

“The negotiations which they said were harmonious and that the rates agreed upon were acceptable by all parties, including freight forwarders and truck owners was a farce, as some of those who appended their signatures were coerced to do so”.

The APFFLON President roars :
“We wish to state here that the new haulage rates are outrageous and a clear reflection of gross insensitivity on the part of those who sat on the negotiation table, not excluding the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as an agency of the Federal Government.

“APFFLON hereby expresses  dissatisfaction with the new rates and urges the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to quickly make a downward review of the rates, which do not reflect the present economic realities on ground.

“We strongly believe that the Shippers’ Council Boss was misled into giving his approval to the new rates. We wish to state that the new rate will emasculate businesses at this particular time, therefore, we urge the Council to quickly carry out a downward review of the charges, as they do not represent the interest of the generality of the people and neither reflect the current economic realities in the industry “.

His words :  “APFFLON hereby cautions the Chief Executive Officer of Shippers’ Council on leaving bad legacies at the Agency, as it advises him to thread with caution in taking certain decisions, in order not to destroy his reputation. We call on the CEO to go round and feel the pulse of the people before giving his approval to certain proposals.

“We hereby state that the new haulage rates are unrealistic, as some of them have additional 140% increase when compared to the old rates. The Chief Executive Officer of  NSC must not allow people who do not mean well for the maritime industry to ruin his reputation.

“Furthermore, we urge the Federal Government to always implement policies with human face, especially at a time when people are struggling to feed. The biting economic situation must be considered in whatever decision they are taking.

“There is hardly a family that can boast of affording three meals a day. Generally, times are hard, so coming up with new rates that are 140% higher is a reflection of gross insensitivity on the part of those who sat on the negotiation table and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council that approved such rates.  APFFLON is never a party to such anti-people policy that will not facilitate trade, as it is also not in line with the Executive Order on Ease of Doing Business”.

On the demand for improved Maritime Workers welfare, APFFLON is appealing to the Federal Government to look at the matter, as the present economic situation calls for upward review of salaries of Nigerian workers in all sectors of the economy.

“The current inflation rate is something to worry about. Workers are going through a hard time, as their monthly earnings can no longer put food on their tables. “