The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, said it has  approved negotiated and reviewed haulage rates from Eastern ports to various destinations in the country.

The rates approved were in consideration of  cost moderation,  cargo transport issues and acceptable by all parties, including freight forwarders and truck owners.

Addressing the meeting in Lagos, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Pius Akutah,  commended the stakeholders for  their concerted efforts  during   the negotiation.

Akutah lauded the stakeholders for their  commitment to move the country forward despite the challenges they are facing in their haulage business.

He assured the stakeholders that  the Federal Government is committed to making haulage business strive  in the country, and used the occasion to call on the stakeholders  to support  the government’s aspiration to transform the maritime sector.

The NSC boss  said the sector remains a gold mine for the nation’s economy with the current efforts of the government  to ensure its  development.

Among stakeholders present at the meeting were the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agent, National Council of Managing Directors of Customs Agents, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria, Truck Owners Association of Nigeria, Maritime Workers Union, General Goods Transporters Association of Nigeria.

Recall that as at the time of the 2022 review, the cost of AGO (Diesel) was N300 per litre, $1  was exchanging  for N400. After the 2022 exercise, the price of AGO/litre started soaring and currently hovers  between N1,500 and N1,700.

Source- Vanguard Newspaper.