Port users decry $8,000 cleaning fee by cargo terminals

Port users have condemned the introduction of an $8,000 “cleaning fee” by general cargo terminals, calling it an unjustified burden on shipowners. They questioned what exactly is being cleaned at the ship site that warrants $8,000, calling on the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to urgently address the issue.They also lamented the lack of insurance coverage for cargo handlers by stevedoring companies in Nigeria. Speaking at the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) 2024 yearly conference and awards held in Lagos, the Managing Director of Shipbait Nigeria Limited, Festus Nwiue, said in other ports, cargo handlers are insured, trained and well-equipped to prevent cargo damage. Drawing from his international experience working in ports across Norway, Holland, and West Africa, Nwiue said in Nigeria, many handlers lack training or insurance, leading to frequent damage and disputes. He revealed that numerous petitions have been filed by cargo owners and receivers with the Shippers’ Council, but these issues persist. To address this, Nwiue proposed a mandatory insurance policy for all port workers, including those employed by the NPA and terminal operators, to ensure cargo owners have recourse in cases of damage.Responding, the Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Ibrahim, expressed confusion and concern regarding the recently introduced $8,000 cleaning fee at some terminals. “We were not informed about this fee, and I don’t know what they are cleaning for $8,000,” he said.