Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has called on freight forwarders and stakeholders in the maritime industry to remain patient and supportive as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) fine-tunes its newly introduced indigenous trade facilitation platform, B’Odogwu Innovation.
Describing the innovation as a landmark stride in local information technology development tailored to enhance trade operations, the founder of NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, acknowledged the early challenges with assessments and system accessibility faced by freight forwarders. He, however, stressed the need for understanding during the portal’s initial implementation phase.
“The B’Odogwu Innovation is not just a digital tool; it’s an indigenous application that reflects our collective aspiration to control and modernize trade processes. As with all new systems, teething issues are expected. We urge stakeholders to exercise patience and work with the Customs in this transition,” Aniebonam stated.
He applauded the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his hands-on leadership, noting his recent visits to both eastern and western ports, including engagements with freight associations such as NAGAFF and others. These visits, according to him, demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the system works efficiently for all parties involved.
Dr. Aniebonam emphasized the urgent need for adequate funding of the Nigeria Customs Service to drive innovations like B’Odogwu. He appealed to the National Assembly and the Presidency to implement provisions in the Customs Act that allocate a percentage of revenue to the Service, noting that such support is essential, especially as the CGC now chairs the World Customs Organization.
“This is a historic moment for Nigeria. All eyes are on our Customs administration globally. We must set the right example in digital trade facilitation,” he said.
To ensure the success of the B’Odogwu platform, Aniebonam called on the NCS to consider granting a 90-day grace period for non-compliant traders, allowing them to regularize their cargoes under the new system. He also urged the Customs management and board to approve provisional cargo releases where necessary while final adjustments are made to the innovation.
Highlighting the importance of compliance, he warned that if freight forwarders do not uphold integrity in their declarations, B’Odogwu could face setbacks similar to those experienced during the NICIS II era.
In a strong message to members, Dr. Aniebonam directed all freight forwarders under the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) to fully support the Customs Service’s reforms.
He also reiterated the importance of IT education, urging practitioners to utilize opportunities at the NAGAFF Academy and other institutions to enhance their skills in customs procedures and port management.
