Stakeholders converge to brainstorm on port charges

THE Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) is set to bring stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime industry to a roundtable to deliberate and come to a consensus on the volatile port charges rocking the nation’s seaports.

According to a statement signed by the president, SCAN, Mr Yusuf Babalola, the one-day forum, which will hold in Apapa, tagged: ‘Port charges, how Plausible?’ will discuss how port charges cause cargo diversion to neighbouring countries.

“A financial expert and research analyst, Johnson Chukwu will deliver the keynote speech. The summit will not be a buck or blame passing event, it will find solution to the cost of doing business that is fuelling cargo diversion,” the statement read in part.

The summit is also expected to find a lasting solution to the myriad of challenges confronting Nigerian shippers, terminal operators, clearing agents, importers, port regulators and other stakeholders operating in the nation’s maritime sector.

“Stakeholders are regretting that the nation’s shipping sector is already sagging in the absence of appropriate pricing, billing inaccuracy, unfriendly port environment and cargo insecurity,’’ the statement stated.

Stakeholders expected at the summit include: Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), terminal operators, shipping companies, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), clearing agents, among others.