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By Steve Agbota
The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has called on stakeholders in the maritime, trade, and logistics sectors to remain patient and supportive as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) oversees the ongoing transformation of the local content platform, B-Odogwu.
In a statement, the National President of APFFLON, Frank Ogunojemite, said the development represents a significant shift aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s Customs operations through the domestication of technology, employment, improved revenue generation, greater operational transparency, and increased data sovereignty.
“We fully recognise that such a transition can bring initial disruptions. However, we urge all stakeholders to see this as a progressive step towards building a more resilient and efficient port and border operation system. We encourage open dialogue and constructive feedback to ensure that the transformation process reflects the needs of all players in the industry.
“We also call on all relevant government agencies to support the Nigeria Customs Service in this effort. Specifically, we urge the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to intensify its role in regulating demurrage charges during this period of system adjustment,” he said.
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According to him, freight forwarders and importers should not be unduly penalised through demurrage or storage fees arising from delays that are not of their making.
He said it is essential that the cost of progress is not unfairly transferred to the trading public.
“As such, we recommend urgent collaboration between the Shippers’ Council, terminal operators, and shipping lines to ensure that necessary waivers are granted where justified.
“This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s trade, freight forwarding and logistics ecosystem. Please, our leadership, patience, and unity are essential to ensure that the B-ODOGWU transformation becomes a success story for local innovation and national development.
“Lets us remain committed to working with all relevant agencies to see this transition through to a successful conclusion,” he added.
