NAHCO BOWS TO AGENTS’ DEMAND: REDUCES CARGO TARIFF BY 20%

The last may not have been heard about Nigerian Aviation Handling Company’s (NAHCO) decision to raise cargo tariff by 20 per cent. NAHCO initially raised the tariff by 30% but was forced to reduce it to 20% following protests by the Association of Nigerian Customs Licensed Agent (ANCLA).

NAHCO and the Skyways Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) are the major cargo and passenger handling firms at the nation’s airports nationwide.

Importers and exporters paid N40 per kilogram for cargo before the hike. But following the increment, they were expected to pay N52 per kilogram, representing 30% increase.

Following resistance by ANCLA and National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAF), NACHO reduced the tariff to 20%, meaning that they would now pay N48 per kilogram.

In an interview, NAHCO spokesman, Tayo Ajakaye, said the tariff reviewing process started in March, this year. Ajakaye said the firm agreed to adjust the increment in cargo tariff from 30% to 20% based on the complaints.

He said NAHCO and ANCLA settled for 20% increase last Thursday, adding “The new agreement means that NAHCO would have to revise downward the initial 30% increase it had started implementing while ANCLA would move up from zero to 20%.

Under the new arrangement importers and exporters would now pay N48 per kilogram for cargo.

He went on: “In a meeting at the head office of NAHCO in Lagos, the negotiating team of ANCLA led by the Vice – Chairman, Bola Ashiru-Balogun, with the Treasurer, Afolabi Azeez and the Financial Secretary, Obanla Alex, reached the agreement with NAHCO in the interest of the overall development of the industry and in realisation of the fact that both sides are in the current tough economic situation.”

Ashiru-Balogun described the adjustment as a bold step by the cargo firm, saying: “This is the first time in a long while that NAHCO would get its act right.”

Ashiru-Balogun said although NAHCO described the agreement as a win-win situation, the feeling among agents is mixed, adding: “Though the tariff was expected, the implementation is being received with a mixed feeling among our members. To our teeming members, it is a lose–win situation.

NAHCO won this time and should be congratulated. However, ANCLA would win the next time.

“This is why we are calling for stronger relationship between the two partners. There is need to always consult ANCLA whenever issues that concern us are decided,” he added.