There is a dispute between the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja over a 100% increment of cargo handling charges.

ANLCA staged a 'no work action' to protest against the increment, calling it insensitive and an attempt to add to the suffering of the masses. SAHCO and NAHCO jointly stated that they will not be liable for any loss and demurrage resulting from the no-work action staged by ANLCA members.

ANLCA claims that the ground handlers had introduced an upward review of 300% on their handling and other charges in February 2023, but the increase was reduced to 100% due to the intervention of ANLCA executives, which was still against trade disputes all over the world.

In a letter obtained from the two ground handlers to the agents, they declared that the final rates adjustment was made in line with aviation standards, as all relevant stakeholders recognized by law, including government agencies and the regulator, were duly consulted.

 They complied with the relevant provisions of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) four main principles on increasing charges for Airport and Air Navigation Service providers as contained in ICAO Doc 9082, which are cost recovery, transparency, consultation with users, and non-discrimination.

The ground handlers had held several meetings with all critical stakeholders and various associations of Freight Forwarders and Brokers in the industry to come up with competitive rates that matched up with the integral cost of operations and were commensurate with what obtains in other West African countries.

They jointly executed an agreement with all relevant stakeholders on the 19th of April 2023, where it was collectively agreed that the ultimate effective date for the implementation of the 100% increase is Monday, 24th of April 2023.

The companies were surprised that ANLCA members still staged a protest for a matter that had already been concluded/resolved.

source; Vanguardngr.com

link;https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/05/sahco-nahco-customs-dispute-100-cargo-handling-increment/