The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has appealed to the five accredited freight forwarding associations to suspend the ongoing protest against Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) valuation implementation at the Tincan port in Nigeria.
Executive Secretary of the Council, Hon. Emmanuel Jime made the appeal at a consultation meeting with the groups in Lagos on Friday.
He noted that disruption of operations at the port for one day portends a great danger for the economy
“The downing of tolls can be called off and let us engage meaningfully.
“It is our duty to carry forward all the concerns that you have especially with the VIN valuation.
“We request that the tool tools downed should be suspended while this negotiation is going on. Hopefully, we can have a quick resolution
“I am glad to hear that nobody is against the introduction of the system but the issue there is the implementation
“We will escalate this discussion and establish engagement with high level of Customs. Give us the benefit of doubt, give us room to discuss with them
Responding, the Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Babatunde Mukaila Azeez while narrating the ordeals borne by members of the associations like having to pay outrageous fee to clear a vehicle of low price
He added that the international convention which recognizes depreciation values of vehicles was not included in the system.
Also speaking, Segun Musa, former Chairman, Airport chapter of NAGAFF, explained how the service needs to confirm to global reform
He said it was the freight forwarders that called for the electronic valuation but the system should not have been concluded without the input and sensitisation of relevant stakeholders.
In conclusion, the five associations agreed to suspend the protest by allowing operations in general cargo area but would not bulge in Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) operations because of the unwarranted fees slammed in agents.
