… Freight Forwarders on IT Training
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has expressed awareness of the challenges faced by freight forwarders in utilising the B’Odogwu portal for assessment.
Despite these difficulties, NAGAFF’s founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has called for patience as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) fine-tunes the innovation.
Aniebonam acknowledged the efforts of the Comptroller General of Customs and his team in ensuring the smooth operation of the B’Odogwu portal. However, he emphasised the need for proper funding of the NCS to enable it to achieve its objectives, particularly with the Comptroller General’s new role as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
The NAGAFF founder advised the government to adequately fund the NCS, leveraging the approved percentage of dues entered in the Customs Act to support its operations. This, he said, would enable the NCS to effectively implement the B’Odogwu innovation and other administrative requirements.
He also stressed the importance of compliance with import and export regulations, warning that non-compliance could lead to problems similar to those experienced during the NICIS 2 regime. He recommended a 90-day grace period for non-compliant traders to clear their consignments and suggested that the NCS consider provisional release of cargo while fine-tuning the B’Odogwu innovation.
Furthermore, Aniebonam emphasised the need for freight forwarders to enhance their IT skills and knowledge of customs procedures. He directed freight forwarders under the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarders in Nigeria (CRFFN) to take advantage of training opportunities, such as NAGAFF Academy, to improve their skills in customs matters and ports. administration. This, he said, would enable them to navigate the B’Odogwu portal and other customs systems more efficiently.