By Nneka Nwogwugwu
Terminal operators have announced a 50 per cent increase in terminal handling charges for imported vehicles, beginning from June 1, 2021.
Two Roll On Roll Off (RORO) terminals at the Tin Can Island Port, Ports and Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML) as well as Five Star Logistics Terminal had two weeks ago announced an increase in their terminal handling charges by 50 per cent.
According to the circular released by both terminal operators, the increment is expected to take effect from Tuesday next week.
However, the terminals have blamed the increment on inflation and huge operational cost due to the nature of Nigerian ports, among others.
In the circular by PTML, one of the biggest vehicle terminal in Nigeria, it states: “PTML would like to bring to the attention of its esteemed customers that the dramatic surge in inflation in 2020 and 2021, as well as the ever-increasing operational expenses incurred because of the particularly challenging port operational environment, which has had a huge impact on the company’s direct cost. PTML tariff has not been adjusted for a number of years now, and it has become impossible for the terminal to provide the same level of service as current prices.”
Despite the revised import duty tariff for transport vehicles, which was announced by the government in January, car dealers are still faced with dismal patronage because of the poor economic situation of the country.
