COVID-19: Nigerian Shippers Council working on waiver for importers – Bello

Hassan Bello

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council says it is currently discussing with shipping companies and port terminal operators on the issue of getting waiver on demurrage for importers and customs agents.

The Council has also provided buses to convey customs agents to the ports during the lockdown of Lagos State by the Federal Government towards curbing the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Executive Secretary of the Council, Barrister Hassan Bello disclosed this in press statement issued by the Council yesterday, March 31, 2020.

“This present situation has indeed caused unimaginable disruption of the logistics supply chain. Users and providers of services are seemingly unable to carry out their obligations for reasons beyond their control.

“Nigeria Shippers’ Council, as Port Economic Regulator and an arbiter, is conscious of the fact that obligations, responsibilities, duties and rights may have been frustrated. Therefore, Nigerian Shippers’ Council is discussing with all parties so that a balanced solution can be achieved especially the issue of demurrage and incentives to facilitate the clearance of goods from the ports,” said Bello.

Bello called on seaport users and agencies to synergise to sustain operations and support the efforts of government to contain spread of Coronavirus pandemic.

According to Bello, the bus services will be available at four different locations in Lagos for agents who will be conveyed to the ports to carry out their operations.

The four locations were identified as Festac (by Apple junction); Okokomaiko (at Alakija under bridge); Surulere (by National Stadium); Oshodi (at Charity bus stop) and Ikeja(at Ikeja along bus stop).

The bus service would leave the locations at 8am with effect from 1st April, 2020.

According to him, the provision of the buses was mainly to ease movement of accredited freight forwarders who have business to conduct at the ports and other port users.

The Council also donated protective gears for port users worth N5m to be distributed to relevant field and operational staff.

In addition, the Council also donated the sum of N5,000,000.00 to be used collectively in the fight against Covid-19 in Lagos and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

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