ANLCA lauds Customs B’Odogwu system, urges integration of agencies to optimize cargo clearance

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has lauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) B’Odogwu clearance system, hailing its potential to significantly expedite cargo clearance and streamline operations.

Speaking as a panelist at a Town Hall meeting organized by the Customs in Lagos on Monday, Vice President of the association, Prince Segun Oduntan, however, noted that the system’s full benefits can only be realized through enhanced collaboration and technological integration among all government agencies operating at the ports.

He stated that the actions of some government agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Port Quarantine, State Security Service (SSS), and Police, sometimes impede quick cargo clearance through blocking of bill of ladings.

Oduntan urged the Customs to engage these agencies on the imperative for them to adopt improved information technology and cease the practice of blocking bills of lading.

He advocated for a single window system, urging Customs to integrate other agencies onto their platform to prevent a scenario where B’Odogwu’s success is undermined by the actions of other agencies.

He said, “B’ Odogwu can be successful, but for an average importer or a manufacturer, it is only when the cargo arrives in his warehouse that he believes the system is working. B’odogwu is perfect, it is working but any impediment by any agency like the blocking of bill of lading will defeat the benefits of fast clearance on the B’Odogwu.

“The Customs should make them see reasons why they should follow suit and improve on their information technology instead of blocking bill of lading because the clearance process is a chain where every link must be strong. If Customs can improve on their cargo clearance system, why would other agencies not improve their system?

“We are all taking about single window, let customs integrate the other agencies on their platform and let it not be that where B’Odogwu is successful the other agencies are dragging it back.”

While acknowledging that each government agency has its mandate, Oduntan stressed the need for integration and collaboration for a more efficient cargo clearance process at the nation’s port.

“All the government agencies at the port , will say they have a mandate. For example NDLEA will tell you it has a mandate of protecting the country from illicit drug same as Customs because 80 percent of contraband items at the port especially drugs are being seized by Customs

“So everybody has a mandate, but we have to integrate, we have to collaborate to make things better and easier for the clearance process system in Nigeria, ” he said.

Oduntan further underscored the expectations placed on the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly with the recent election of the Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi as the Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.

He noted that with the CG’s position, it is imperative for Nigeria to get its trade processes right to lead by example on the global stage.

“With the election of the Customs CG as Chairman of World Customs Organization (WCO), it shows that the world is watching us. It’s a good thing for Nigeria, and it’s an eye-opener too, that Nigeria Customs cannot do less. They have to operate the same way on international level,” he said.