The Western Zone of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has threatened to shut down shipping companies that refuse to suspend any planned increment of charges.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, the zonal chairman of ANLCA, Mr. Femi Anifowose, explained that there is no economic justification for the increment by the shipping companies.

According to Mr. Anifowose, “We were not carried along by the shipping companies as regards why they are increasing their charges. They need to explain to us the justification for the increments.

“The dollar has been going down in the last few months. Cost of petrol and diesel has also been going down, all thanks to the Dangote Refinery. So, why should shipping charges go up?

“The last time they increased, over two years ago, they increased based on high dollar rates and high rate of diesel. At that time, the shipping companies increased their charges by 400 percent. We did not complain then because we knew dollar and diesel were very expensive then.

“If they refuse to suspend their recent increment, we will shut down the shipping companies within the Western Zone.”

Also speaking, the national president of ANLCA, Emeke Nwokeoji, explained that the association is still studying the charges increment and will make its position public very soon.

In a phone conversation with the Nigerian Tribune, Mr. Nwokeoji said that the charges were introduced during a period when many were on holidays; hence the association is yet to take a stand on the issue at the national level.

“We were on holidays when we learnt about the increment. Now that we have resumed work, we are still going through the rates shipping companies are charging. When we are done, we will make our position clear to the public,” he stated. (Nigerian Tribune)