APFFLON urges patience on Customs’ B-Odogwu transition, seeks Shippers’ Council intervention on demurrage

The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has thrown its support behind the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) indigenous platform, B-Odogwu, while urging stakeholders to exercise patience during the ongoing transition.

The association acknowledged that while the shift may bring initial disruptions, it represents a significant step towards modernizing Nigeria’s customs operations.

In a statement signed by its President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, APFFLON said the platform’s domestication of technology, improved revenue generation, increased operational transparency, and enhanced data sovereignty were key benefits.

“We fully recognize that such a transition can bring initial disruptions. However, we urge all stakeholders to see this as a progressive step towards building a more resilient and efficient port and border operation system. We encourage open dialogue and constructive feedback to ensure that the transformation process reflects the needs of all players in the industry,” the statement said.

APFFLON also called for proactive measures to mitigate the negative impact on freight forwarders and importers calling on all relevant government agencies to support the Nigeria Customs Service in this effort.

Specifically, it appealed to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to intensify its role as the port’s economic regulator.

The association urged the Council to regulate demurrage and storage charges during this period of system adjustment, ensuring that delays beyond the control of traders do not result in unfair penalties.

“It is essential that the cost of progress is not unfairly transferred to the trading public, ” Ogunojemite stated.

He recommended urgent collaboration between the Shippers’ Council, terminal operators, and shipping lines to ensure that necessary waivers are granted when justified.

The APFFLON president stressed that patience and unity are vital for the B-Odogwu transformation to become a success story for local innovation and national development.

“Lets us remain committed to working with all relevant agencies to see this transition through to a successful conclusion, ” the statement concluded.