Clearing agents operating at the nation?s ports have kicked against the increment in charges by leading French shipping company, CMA CGM, stating that the increment will add to the economic burden being passed on to the end users of the imported items at the nations markets.

Recall that the CMA CGM recently announced an increment in its charges, blaming it on the recent adjustment of Port & Marine Fees by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

CMA CGM, in a mail to Importers stated: ?We are writing to inform you of a review of our charges following the recent increase in Port and Marine charges implemented by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which came into effect o the 1st of March 2025.

?As a result of such adjustment, we find it necessary to update our tariff structure to account for the new cost environment, effective 10 March 2025.

?Under the review, a 20ft container will now be charged N145,327 while a 40ft container will attract N290,654.

?A 20ft Reefer container will attract N145,327 while a 40ft Reefer container will attract N290,654.

?If you have any questions or require further clarification, please feel free to contact our customer service team at Nga.service@cma-cgm.com. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.?

Reacting to the price review, the National President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Frank Ogunojemite, stated that the increment will cripple the purchasing power of the common man and further increase the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports.

According to Ogunojemite: ?Shipping and terminal charges are critical components of the logistics and supply chain management process. Increases in these charges can have far-reaching effects on various stakeholders, including having effects on Importers and Exporters via Increased costs.

?Higher shipping and terminal charges lead to increased costs for importers and exporters, which will be passed on to consumers.

?Businesses may experience reduced profit margins due to higher logistics costs. This can make Nigerian businesses less competitive in the global market.

?The recent increment by CMA CGM will lead to higher prices for goods and services in Nigeria while making consumers experience reduced purchasing power due to higher prices.

?This increment can also contribute to higher inflation rate in the country, forcing businesses to reduce staff or close operations due to increased costs.

?NPA told us that the 15 percent hike will not lead to additional charges at the ports, but now the CMA CGM has blamed its recent increment on the hike in port tariff by the NPA.

?NPA must look into this price increment by the shipping companies before other shipping companies follow suit.?

Also speaking on the increment, a former National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Olayiwola Shittu blamed the Federal government on the increment by CMA CGM.

?The fault is from the Federal government. There is no way NPA will increase its charges by 15 percent and it will not affect shipping charges. Now, CMA CGM has announced an increment; expect other shipping companies to follow suit.

?And this will have far-reaching consequences on importation because the cost of clearing cargoes from the ports will go up.

?With the situation we currently find ourselves economically, should we be talking about prices increment here and there? It?s quite unfortunate because the masses suffering will keep increasing,? Olayiwola Shittu lamented. (Nigerian Tribune)

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