Complain of Extortion and other Issues

Hassan Bello, ES/CEO Nigerian Shippers’ Council

In continuation of its statutory mandate and regulatory responsibilities, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has met with tuckers/haulers to discuss issues on health and safety guidelines even as ports operations are carried within this period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement signed by Rakiya Zubairu, Deputy Director, Public Relations of the Council,

The Council said it has served that truckers were not heeding safety precautions as issued by health authorities.

The Council therefore reminded the truck owners and operators that they could spread the virus in the course of their travels across Nigeria and reiterated the need for extra safety hygiene care.

Rakiya revealed in the statement that the issue of moderation and the need for standardization of haulage rates was also discussed with the haulers.

Narrating their ordeals, the haulers informed the Council of the various problems they face such as  extortion, lack of seriousness by freight forwarders in clearing the cargo from the port, the fear and apprehension caused by the COVID19 amongst others.

Following assurances by the Council to the haulers that their challenges will looked into and resolved, the cargo carriers agreed on a 30% reduction of haulage rates within the Covid19 period.

In another development and as part of ongoing efforts to further prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the port community, the management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council visited Port and Terminal Multi-services Limited, PTML, in Tin-Can Island to assess compliance with health and safety regulations.

Management of the PTML told the Council that there is strict enforcement on the

use of hand sanitizers, gloves and face masks, in addition to constant enlightenment on the importance of personal hygiene and social distancing at the Terminal.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council commended PTML for constantly striving to maintain international standards and urged the terminal not to relent.