The Founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, has said that the B’odogwu trade modernisation software concept introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service for clearance of goods in the ports is aimed at streamlining
documentation and clearance processes. Aniebonam therefore pleaded for patience and support for the concept which is expected to have teething problem at the pilot stage.
He lamented that the concept with its good intention is being undermined by human elements, when it is targeted towards creating greater opportunities for Nigerians to do things by themselves.
The founder described B’Odogwu as a local creation of Nigerians to take over Nigeria Integrated Customs System (NICIS) with clear intent to streamline Customs automation system and noted that unfortunately, this effort is being undermined.
He maintained that though the pilot stage of the programme is having initial problem, said this should be addressed as it comes, counselling that there is the need for patience on the part of freight forwarders.
He, however, observed that despite the issues, notable progress under the concept has been made with two vessels manifested on December 4 and 9, and transmitted to B’ Odogwu with 1,825 bills of lading and 2,210 containers of which 523 entries assessed with some paid and selected for examination.
“This has surged the total number of SGDs to about 1,007 as of 11th December”, he said.
According to him, the major challenge with B’Odogwu is in processing payments to banks due to lack of integration of some banks.
To address the issue, he called on all concerned banks to urgently ensure seamless integration and sensitisation of desk officers at their operational branches on how to process payment on B’Odogwu.
According to him, “we must support our own noting that renewed hope agenda must be realized for the good of the great numbers, Yes we can do it”
The founder assured the support of NAGAFF to ensure that the concept succeeds.