By Bon Peters
ONNE PORT/Nigeria: A palpable tension grips Onne Port in Rivers State as the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Eastern Zone, raises alarm over an alleged arbitrary increase in Haulage Fare by transport unions, Maritime Flat and Cargo and Freight Forwarding Transport, in collusion with the Nigeria Shippers Council.
The trouble began last week, with transport fare at Onne reportedly soaring by about 200 percent, according to ANLCA. Speaking exclusively to our correspondent during an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt, the Zonal Coordinator of ANLCA Eastern Zone, Mr. Joshua Ahuama, denounced the move as unjust and inhibitive to trade. He revealed that after discussions, the South-South Zonal Director of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Glory Onojedo, intervened, instructing the Truckers’ Association to suspend the new rate pending further deliberations.
Ahuama expressed dismay at the transport unions’ behavior, noting that they walked out of a meeting chanting solidarity songs, pledging to stand firm on their mandate. Despite requests for a written directive from the Shippers Council, the truckers have refused to revert to the old rate, going as far as locking up trucks that resist the fare increase.
The ANLCA representative questioned the timing of the increment, citing improved road conditions due to ongoing construction and rehabilitation works in the South-South and South East regions. He hinted at a possible collusion between transporters, the Shippers Council, and the Nigerian Ports Authority to extort freight forwarders and shipping companies.
Ahuama criticized the Shippers Council for not providing written directives, suggesting complicity with the truckers to exploit agents. He warned of potential disruptions in the market and South Eastern ports if the issue remains unresolved, urging relevant authorities to intervene promptly.
Efforts to reach the transport unions’ leaders for comment proved futile as their phone numbers remained unreachable.
