NCAA approves NAHCO’s new charges

 The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has given approval to the recent cargo tariff increase being implemented by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance), the company said.
NAHCO and clearing agents under the aegis of the Association of Nigeria Licenced Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) had agreed to a 20 per cent tariff increment in May. The increment had since taken effect.

According to the company, although the official approval by the NCAA was just now being made public, it is a sign of endorsement of the processes embarked upon by the ground handling company in reviewing its tariffs.

In a letter addressed to the MD/CEO of nahco aviance, dated June 2, 2015, and signed by the NCAA’s Director – General, Capt. Muhtar Usman, the NCAA said, “In line with powers conferred on the Authority by Part 18.7.3.1 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2012, approval is hereby given to your company to increase the Import Handling Charge from N38.00/kg to N46.00/kg and the Courier Handling Charge from N45.00/kg to N54.00/kg as agreed with the stakeholders.”

While commending NAHCO for embarking on wide consultation with all stakeholders before embarking on the tariff increase, NCAA stated further that it “wishes to advise that Nahco Aviance should continue to ensure adequate consultations with the stakeholders in line with the laid down guidelines and regulations guiding review or introduction of any charge.”
It further asked that NCAA be invited as an observer to future consultations on such a subject – matter.

In a meeting at the head office of NAHCO in Lagos, on May 15, 2015, the negotiating team of ANCLA led by the Vice – Chairman, Honourable Bola Ashiru – Balogun, with the Treasurer, Afolabi Azeez and the Financial Secretary, Obanla Alex said that they reached the agreement with NAHCO in the interest of the overall development of the industry and in realization of the fact that both sides were in this tough economic situation together.

The MD/CEO, nahco aviance, Mr. Norbert Bielderman said at the meeting that what happened was in the best spirit of give and take. He thanked everyone involved in the negotiations for their maturity while particularly thanking the ANCLA representatives for their professionalism.

He said, “I would like to thank you all for the professionalism you brought into these negotiations. You guys have been very professional. I appreciate that.”
Bielderman urged the Association leaders to always feel free to approach NAHCO whenever issues that concern both parties arise.

[ThisDay]