L:R: Ifeanyi Lekwauwa, Treasurer, ANCLA, MMIA, Comrade Davies Chukwunenye, Vice Chairman, ANCLA and Chief Sunday Odedeyi, Former BOT member during a news briefing in Lagos.
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANCLA at the Lagos International Airport has down tools over 100% upward review of tariff and rates in the clearance and storage of goods by the ground handling companies at the airport.
At a news conference in Lagos, the Vice Chairman, ANCLA Comrade Davies Chukwunenye said, the increment is unacceptable and called on the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to wade into the matter to avoid crisis at the airport.
Clearance of import and export of cargoes at the Lagos airport have been put on hold for a week now over the upward review in cargo handling tariff and rates by the Skyway Aviation Handling company, SAHCO and the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company, NAHCO.
Initially, the tariff was reviewed upwards of 300% but after negotiation between both parties, it was reduced to a 100%.
However, the clearing agents say, they are still not comfortable with the 100% increase, stressing that, in all trade dispute globally, there was no where 100% increment is accepted and implemented.
Vice Chairman ANCLA Comrade Davies Chuwunenye said, they were not opposed to an increase but it should be further reduced downwards to help them stay in business.
He disclosed that, for over a week of non operation, they have lost over N2 billion, adding that, high freight had driven many of their customers away.
“We have actually lost more than N2b and we are not saying there should be no increment but what we are saying is that, let it have a human face. Have not seen anywhere in the world where somebody comes up with 100% increase, that is our position”.
Special Assistant to the Chairman, Mr. Olufemi Kayode said, they had written to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA as the regulator of the industry on the matter but where yet to get a response.
“Off course we have followed the protocols by writing to them but we have not received any response reasons for this is because, the two ground handlers have started implementation of that 100% which has made it difficult for us to operate”.
Members of ANCLA in an interview said, it is worrisome that regular increment by the ground handlers had been without corresponding services.
“In the event when shipments are damaged NAHCO are not willing to come and dialogue with you. We say No to increment, we say No”.
In a joint letter addressed to the ANCLA Chairman signed by the representatives of the two handlers, Boma Ukwunna and Saheed Lasisi, the handling companies insisted the rates reviewed was in compliance with Aviation standards and the regulator duly consulted and also with the relevant provisions of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s four main principles on increase in charges which are, Cost recovery, Transparency, Consultation with users and Non-Discrimination.