Indications are that giant terminal operators, Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited (ABTL) a subsidiary of Flour Mills and Greenview Development Terminal (GDNL) which is also a subsidiary of Dangote group Apapa Bulk Terminals may have withdrawn its support to the association, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) over the court case instituted against the Nigerian Shippers Council.
A sniff from some terminal operators revealed that some members have asked the association to withdraw the court case against the Shippers Council since they believed they are fighting for the benefit of Nigeria Shippers.
The terminal operators hinged their dissatisfaction to the fact that their proprietors are also shippers who are also affected by the charges.
They however said supporting the court case would be fighting against the wish of their proprietors.
Speaking with an official of one of the terminals under anonynimity, he said they disapproved the continued pursue of the case as it would be to the detriment of some of them who ship in raw materials for their factories here in Nigeria.
His words, “The Shippers Council is fighting for us and we cannot continue to support the privilege few who want to continue charging exorbitant price and arbitrary hike in tariff for service rendered.”
Terminal Operators have been locked in legal tussle with Nigerian Shippers’ Council after the latter had ordered restriction on increase in progressive storage charges and reversal to what obtained in May 2009.