The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Shippers\u2019 Council (NSC) have called Port and Terminal Operators (Nig) Limited (PTOL) to order over its increase in tariff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mrs Rakiya Zubairu, Head, Public Relations, NSC, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Thursday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said that PTOL\u2019s arbitrary increase of charges without consultation with its landlord, the NPA, and the Port Economic Regulator, NSC, ran foul of its lease agreement and government regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zubairu said that this was discussed at a recent meeting of NPA, NSC and PTOL which took place at the head office of NSC in Apapa, Lagos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said that the meeting was convened by the Acting Executive Secretary of the NSC, Ms. Ifeoma Ezedinma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to her, Ezedinma pointed out that such acts would attract sanctions, as the council, through public notices, visits and correspondence, was always advising regulated service providers to obey the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Citing Clause 5:5 of the lease agreement between NPA and PTOL, Mrs Ugo Madubuike, NPA\u2019s General Manager, Monitoring and Regulatory Service, said the increase in charges was in contradiction of the Contractual Agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clause 5:5 states: \u201cThe lessee shall not make any increase in the operation rate unless agreed to in writing by the parties and any required persons or governmental authority has been obtained\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n