Nigerians will, effective May 1, 2023, pay more for imported cars as port operators give notice of increase in handling charges.
The Ports and Terminal Multipurpose Limited has slammed an additional N50,000 per unit of imported cars to cover forklift services.
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A report by a Newspaper indicated that the management of PTML in a notice dated April 17, 2023 issued over the weekend, stated that the additional charge will take effect from May 1, 2023.
The notice also explained that the charge was necessary to cover the huge cost involved to handle cars with a forklift.
“PTML would like to bring to the attention of its esteemed customers that with effect from May 1, 2023, all forklifted cars will be subject to an additional charge of N50,000 per unit. This charge is necessary to cover the high cost involved to handle the cars with a forklift from the vessel to the final delivery,” the notice read in part.
Reacting to the development, the acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr Kayode Farinto, described the charge as illegal, assuring that the group was addressing it.
“We are addressing it because it is an illegitimate charge. We will refer to it as a contract of affreightment. They shouldn’t think of it at all because it can’t fly and we won’t allow it.
“And let everyone know that gone are the days that anyone will slam illegal charges on the stakeholders, it is illegal,” he said.
Also speaking, the youth leader of ANLCA, TinCan chapter, Remilekun Saliu, said, “They stop loading forklift/non-running vehicles before but with the drop in importation, they place a notice that they will start loading forklift/non-running.
“They will still charge it locally here. Likewise, for the telex and pin release, they are charging us N25, 000 also. This nonsense must stop.”
A Clearing Agent, Jonah Akannor, said the additional service fee will definitely be passed to the consumers because someone has to pay it.
“No matter how small the amount, it translates to a higher price. The cost will definitely be passed to the final consumer and that will increase the cost of the vehicle. Remember that VAT will be added”, Akannor told this newspaper by telephone.