Bisola David
Licensed customs agents working in the maritime industry have protested Comet Shipping Agencies Nigeria Limited’s 25% duty increase on imported cars and other shipments.
The Punch reported that the shipping business stated that the new charge would go into effect on December 1, 2023, in a notice to the agents on Monday.
One of the busiest local shipping firms operating on Nigerian waterways is Comet Shipping Agencies Nigeria Limited.
The notice stated, in part, that there will be an increase in tariff effective December 1, 2023. This change is necessary to allow us to keep providing the outstanding services that our clients have come to expect. We recognize that modifications tariff may be challenging, and we want to assure you that we remain committed to providing the best possible services”
According to the notice, the firm increased the prices for new automobiles imported up to 15cbm by 25%, going from N6,930 to N8,622. The charges for vans above 15–25cbm increased from N10,450 to N13,062.
In response, a prominent member of the Association of Nigerian Licenced Customs Agents, Mr. Frank Obiegesi, stated on Monday in Lagos, “It is true; we are not comfortable with it.” This is the issue that the maritime industry is currently facing; every sector is experiencing an increase, but we will deal with it.”
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders’ Chairman of the Port & Terminal Multipurpose Limited Terminal Chapter, Mr Thomas Alor, also spoke, stating, “The increase is much and it is going to drastically affect importation.”
