By Godwin Oritse

LAGOS—EXPORTERS have threatened to boycott the nation’s ports unless terminal operators withdrew the newly-introduced container handling charges.

The exporters, under the aegis of Association of Exports Commodity and Manufacturing Freight Forwarders of Nigeria, spoke through its President; Mr Olubunmi Olumekun, in Lagos.

He vowed that exporters would not pay the newly introduced fees of N40,000 and N60,000 on 20-foot and 40-foot containers respectively.

It was gathered that the terminal operators had sent notices of increase of fees from N4,200 per 20-foot container and N6,200 per 40 foot container to N40,000 and N60,000 on 20-foot and 40-foot containers to the exporters, notifying them that the new rate would take effect from June 1. `

The newly introduced charge has already taken effect

But Olumekun recalled that before port concession, the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, was charging N516 wharfage and wharfinger on 20-foot containers, which was later increased to N2,100.

According to him, the new charges are additional charges to storage fees and renomination fees, being charged, if a container is not shipped

“When port concession came, we paid the terminal operators N4, 200 per 20 foot. container and N6,200 per 40 foot containers.

“Now, we are expected to pay N40,000 per 20-foot container and N60,000 per 40-foot container.  Is this how we are going to survive and diversify the nation’s economy?” he queried.

Olumekun said the association demanded a review of the container handling charges to promote commodity export business in the country.

He said exports were scheduled to be delivered within 24 hours and placed on fast track, but noted that the papers were still being delayed for three days.

“Unless the Federal Government intervenes quickly, we would be left with no option than to either shut down the ports or leave the export business.”

He said 40 per cent of exporters had closed shops, adding that 30 per cent of the remaining 60 per cent were smuggling commodities through Cotonou and Niger Republic.