NAGAFF Urges Customs Management to Approve Provisional Cargo Release
... Dr. Aniebonam directs freight forwarders to support B'Odogwu innovation
Bisi Akingbade
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, has recommended a 90-day grace period for traders to clear consignments while urging the Nigeria Customs Service management to approve provisional cargo release while fine-tuning the B’Odogwu portal system.
In a statement signed by
Dr. Aniebonam Boniface Okechukwu
Founder, NAGAFF while reacting to recent concerns about delays in timely assessments via the B’Odogwu portal of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Aniebonam further directed all freight forwarders under the Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarders of Nigeria, CRFFN, to support Customs in improving cargo clearance operations at ports and borders.
The NAGAFF boss also acknowledged the efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, led by the Comptroller General of Customs, in deploying the innovation to improve trade facilitation, noting that the management of customs has been actively engaging stakeholders, including visits to key ports such as Apapa, to ensure smooth implementation and educate operators, especially Domestic Trade Investors, DTI.
While the initial teething challenges are understandable, the NAGAFF founder called for patience and cooperation among the operators adding that the association stressed the urgent need for proper funding of the Customs service to support the B’Odogwu innovation and other administrative demands.
Aniebonam appealed to the federal government, particularly the National Assembly and executive branch, to leverage duties revenue as outlined in the Customs Act for this purpose.
The NAGAFF boss highlighted Nigeria’s increasing prominence on the global customs stage, as the Comptroller General of Customs currently serves as Chairman of the World Customs Organization. This ,he said calls for exemplary performance and integrity from all stakeholders.
“Freight forwarders and shippers are reminded to maintain strict compliance with import and export regulations to avoid pitfalls similar to previous systems such as NICIS 2.” Aniebonam stressed .
Dr. Aniebonam further emphasized continuous IT education and encourages freight forwarders to utilize training platforms like NAGAFF Academy to enhance their knowledge and skills in customs procedures, port administration, and logistics.
