On Wednesday, July 14, 2024, Hon. Bashiru Silikie, Deputy Leader of Government Business, issued a strong warning to shipping agencies across Sierra Leone, emphasizing the illegality of imposing demurrage fees before the expiration of ten working days.

The warning came during a parliamentary session where the Committee on Transport and Aviation, led by Hon. Maada Lebby, summoned shipping agencies to address complaints of unlawful fee practices.

The session marked the fourth time the committee had called on these agencies, following reports that some operators at Water Quay were charging demurrage after just four days—far below the ten-day grace period mandated by the Finance Act. Hon. Silikie stressed that any agency violating this rule would face parliamentary action.

To ensure compliance, the committee has requested detailed shipping manifests and financial statements from January 31 to July 31, 2024. These documents will be carefully reviewed to reconcile the revenues collected by the shipping agencies and identify any funds unlawfully obtained. The deadline for submission of these documents is set for Wednesday, August 21, 2024, and any identified discrepancies may lead to refunds to affected customers.

Additionally, the committee addressed concerns over inflated Verified Gross Mass (VGM) charges. Hon. Silikie pointed out that some agencies have been illegally charging up to USD 50 for services that should cost no more than USD 15 for 20-foot containers and USD 30 for 40-foot containers. The committee vowed to investigate these overcharges thoroughly and ensure that illegal collections are corrected.

In a related development, Hon. Maada Lebby directed the committee clerk to officially notify key government bodies, including the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbour Authority, the National Revenue Authority (NRA), and the Office of the President, about the rulings made during the session.

Responding to the parliamentary directives, Mohamed Salia, President of the Association of Shipping Agencies, highlighted the critical role that certified clearing agencies play in supporting Sierra Leone’s trade practices. He acknowledged the issues of overcharging and delays caused by some shipping lines and expressed optimism that the government’s intervention would lead to more equitable practices in the industry.