-
French liner CMA CGM slaps new surcharge on West Africa-bound cargo
-
Nigerian importers call move “absolute exploitation”
-
Stakeholders warn it will raise cost of doing business at ports
Nigerian importers face higher costs this season as global shipping giant CMA CGM announced a fresh $500 peak season surcharge on cargo bound for Nigeria and other West African ports.
The French firm, in a notice on its website, said the charge applies to twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers from North-East Asia, South-East Asia, China, and Hong Kong & Macau SAR. It takes effect on September 15 and will remain until further notice.
“In a continued effort to provide our customers with reliable and efficient services, CMA CGM informs its customers of the following Peak Season Surcharge… Origin: Asia. Destination: West Africa. Cargo: Dry & Reefer. Amount: $500 per TEU. Applicable on short-term contracts,” the statement read.
READ ALSO: Akiefa Calls on NASS to Sanction Ifejika, Britainia-U, Other Erring Importers
But the announcement has sparked pushback from Nigerian importers and freight forwarders.
A former interim National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Pius Ujubuonu, described the charge as “absolute exploitation.” He said, “Peak Season Surcharge is supposed to be to their own advantage because they are having more transactions. Instead of raking in the profit, they now want to exploit the people. Just like the War Risk Insurance Premium, they keep punishing their customers. The Nigerian Shippers Council is unsure of what steps to take.”
READ ALSO: Dangote Refinery Expands Fuel Exports as Gulf Plants Shut for Maintenance
Echoing similar concerns, the Deputy President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Mr. Segun Musa, warned that the extra fee would undermine government reforms to reduce costs. “It is going to add to the cost of doing business, and it is going to frustrate the government’s efforts. It might look small, but it is a lot of money when you add it to the cost of importing into Nigeria,” he said.
Industry watchers argue that with freight already weighed down by high exchange rates, surcharges such as CMA CGM’s will further squeeze traders and consumers, potentially driving inflationary pressures in the months ahead.
