Aniebonam Drums Support for Customs’ B’Odogwu Trade Modernisation Software

• Calls on freight forwarders to support concept
• Urges banks to begin seamless integration, sensitisation of desk officers
By Francis Ugwoke
The Founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr Boniface Aniebonam has urged freight forwarders to embrace B’odogwu trade modernisation software introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for clearance of goods in the ports.
Aniebonam described the B’Odogwu software concept as aimed at streamlining documentation and clearance processes by the Customs Service.
In a press statement, he expressed regret that the concept even with good intention from the Customs is being undermined by some elements, adding that this should not be so.
He reminded freight forwarders that the concept of renewed hope agenda of the present administration is targeted towards creating greater opportunities for Nigerians to do things by themselves, arguing that this is why they should support B’Odogwu.
He said, “to achieve this objective, we must understand that it entails hard work, sacrifices and patriotism. Therefore, the era of creating food for the boys must be jettisoned and local content created and implemented. And for the emphasis, B’Odogwu is a local creation of Nigerians to take over Nigeria Integrated Customs System (NICIS) with clear intent to streamline customs automation system. Unfortunately, we noted that this effort is being undermined”.
Aniebonam while pointing out that 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.

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