A terminal operator, Tin-Can Island Container Terminal Limited (TICT), has reduced its terminal charges by 50 per cent and 75 per cent respectively for two categories of overtime cargoes in the port. In what appeared like an Independence Day package for Nigerian importers, the company, in a statement, gave an indication that the decision was in the spirit of the moment and to further complement the efforts of the federal government to rid the ports of congestion.

The company said the incentive includes a waiver of 50 per cent on storage charges for containers at the terminal that have stayed between 181 days to 365 days. Other categories of importers that will enjoy 75 per cent waiver on storage charges include those whose consignments have stayed above 365 days.

According to the firm, the waiver would apply only for storage charges for containers that have been on the terminal for 181 days and above as at 1st October, 2013. However, the terminal operator explained that the waiver would not include "THC, Delivery and Positioning etc".

Following the offer, the company added that application letters for waiver would be accepted from all applicants with evidence/Proof of payment of the shipping lines charges and customs fees at the TICT on weekdays.

It called on importers to take advantage of the offer and join in the efforts to decongest the port terminals, and also added that the offer would open from October 1 to October 31.