By Holy Chinonyerem
The Apapa Port, one of Nigeria’s busiest ports, is on the brink of a major crisis as customs agents and freight forwarders have threatened to withdraw their services over challenges posed by the B’Ododgwu system. The B’Ododgwu system, a digital platform introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to facilitate trade and revenue collection, has been plagued by technical issues and glitches, causing delays and frustration for port users.
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), and the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN) have all joined forces to condemn the B’Ododgwu system and threaten to withdraw their services if the issues are not resolved. The associations argue that the system’s technical issues have resulted in unnecessary delays, increased costs, and loss of revenue for port users.
The customs agents and freight forwarders have expressed frustration over the system’s inability to accurately process declarations and clear goods in a timely manner. They claim that the system’s glitches have led to a significant increase in dwell times, resulting in additional costs for storage and demurrage. This, in turn, has affected the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses and the overall economy.
The associations have given the Nigeria Customs Service an ultimatum to resolve the issues or face a complete withdrawal of services by customs agents and freight forwarders. This move would bring the Apapa Port to a standstill, causing untold hardship to importers, exporters, and the entire supply chain.
The Comptroller-General of Customs has been urged to intervene and address the technical issues plaguing the B’Ododgwu system. The associations have called for a comprehensive review of the system and the implementation of measures to prevent future glitches.
The threat of service withdrawal has sent shockwaves through the port community, with many stakeholders expressing concern about the potential impact on the economy. The Apapa Port is a critical component of Nigeria’s trade infrastructure, and any disruption to its operations would have far-reaching consequences.
The customs agents and freight forwarders have vowed to take all necessary steps to protect their interests and ensure that the B’Ododgwu system is reformed to meet the needs of port users. They have called on the government to intervene and find a solution to the crisis before it’s too late.
The Nigeria Customs Service has been urged to prioritize the resolution of the B’Ododgwu system issues and ensure that the Apapa Port continues to operate smoothly. The service has a critical role to play in facilitating trade and revenue collection, and any disruption to its operations would have significant consequences
