NCAA endorses NAHCO’s new tariff regime

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved the recent cargo tariff increase introduced recently by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance).

NAHCO and clearing agents under the aegis of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) had agreed to a 20 percent tariff increase toward mid May. The increment had since taken effect.

Although the official approval by NCAA was just being made public, ëit s a sign of endorsement of the processes embarked upon by the ground handling company in reviewing its tariffsí.

In a letter addressed to the MD/CEO of Nahco Aviance, dated June 2, 2015, and signed by the NCAAís DirectorñGeneral, Capt. Muhtar Usman, the NCAA said, ìIn 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.î

While commending NAHCO for embarking on wide consultation with all stakeholders before embarking on the tariff increase, NCAA stated further that it ìwishes 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.î

It further asked that NCAA be invited as an observer to future consultations on such a subjectñmatter.

In a meeting at the head office of NAHCO in Lagos, on May 15, 2015, the negotiating team of ANCLA led by the ViceñChairman, Bola AshiruñBalogun, with the Treasurer, Afolabi Azeez and the Financial Secretary, Obanla Alex they said 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 Nviance, Norbert Bielderman said at the meeting that what happened was in the best spirit of give and take. He thanked all the people involved in the negotiations for their maturity while particularly thanking the ANCLA representatives for their professionalism.
He said: ìI would like to thank you all for the professionalism you brought into these negotiations. You guys have been very professional. I appreciate that.î

Bielderman, howver, urged the association leaders to always feel free to approach NAHCO whenever issues that concern