The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved the recent 20 per cent cargo tariff increase being implemented by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance). The Manager, Communications and Corporate Services of NAHCO, Tayo Ajakaye recently confirmed it in Lagos. Ajakaye said NCAA’s Director-General, Capt. Muhtar Usman gave the approval in a letter dated June 2 which was addressed to the Managing Director of NAHCO, Norbert Bielderman.
Ajakaye said, “although the official approval by the NCAA is being made public now, it is a sign of endorsement of the processes embarked upon by the ground handling company in reviewing its tariffs.”
He explained that 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 on May 15, 2015 reached an agreement on the increment.
Subsequently, the Import Handling Charge (IHC) was increased from N38 per kg to N46 per kg and the Courier Handling Charge from N45 per kg to N54 per kg as agreed with the stakeholders.
Ajakaye said the approval was in line with Part 18.7.3.1 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2012.
He said the regulatory agency commended NAHCO for embarking on wide consultations with all stakeholders before the tariff increase. He said the NCAA also advised NAHCO to ensure adequate consultations with the stakeholders in line with the laid down guidelines and regulations guiding review or introduction of any charge.
By Pita Ochai
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