French firm suspends hike in shipping charges

French shipping line CMA CGM has announced the suspension of its planned hike in shipping charges on Nigerian-bound cargoes due to the 15 per cent adjustment of Port & Marine Fees by the Nigerian Ports Authority.

Recall that CMA CGM, in a statement sent to importers last week, had announced an increment in its charges, which it blamed on the recent adjustment of Port & Marine Fees by the Nigerian Ports Authority.

However, giving an update on the increase, the shipping company on Friday said it has reversed the increase, adding that it will revert to the previous charge structure until further notice.

In a notice titled ‘Update on Local Charges Due to Recent NPA Port & Marine Fee Adjustments’, the company stressed that engagements are ongoing with local authorities.

“As review and engagement are ongoing with local authorities, we are suspending the recently implemented tariff adjustments. As a result, we will revert to the previous charge structure until further notice. We regret any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your understanding as we navigate through these changes. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our customer service team in Nigeria,” the notice read in part.

The PUNCH reported last week that licensed customs agents have concluded plans to engage with the management of the CMA CGM Shipping Company over the recent hike in charges on Nigeria-bound cargoes.

The National Protocol Officer of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Mr Amuni Riwane, condemned the increase and disclosed that the ethics committee of the association would be engaging the shipping companies on Monday.

“Our own ethics committee will be meeting with the shipping companies today to know the way forward. The increase is going to affect operations; it’s like adding salt to an injury. The economic situation is already harsh. So, we are going to engage them today,” Riwane said.

Also speaking, the Head of the Department of Shipping and Terminals of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Mr Nnadi Ugochukwu, admitted that though they have not been notified of the increase, they will be engaging the shipping companies if need be.