Stakeholders in the maritime industry, including freight forwarders, licensed customs agents, shippers, and barge operators, converged at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, for a one-day seminar on “The Impact of B’Odogwu Digital Platform on Trade Facilitation and Women’s Contributions to the Maritime Sector.”
Their high expectations were, however, dashed as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), creators of the platform, was absent.
The absence drew sharp criticism from industry leaders who had looked forward to clarifications on B’Odogwu’s operations.
Former ANLCA President, Prince Olayiwola Shitu (represented by Babatunde Mukaila), described it as disappointing, while keynote speaker, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, President of Women in Maritime Africa, said the non-appearance of Customs left many key questions unanswered.
Macfoy praised the innovation but raised concerns over unclear benchmark values for clearing imported vehicles, citing that the platform often gives a range without specifying the payable amount.
She also questioned why containers already cleared at ports are sometimes intercepted by Customs’ Federal Operations Units, urging the Service to address what she termed “a trust gap” within its system.
Former NPA Port Manager, Mrs. Carol Ufere, said Customs missed a golden opportunity to conduct a one-year review of B’Odogwu’s implementation.
She urged future event organisers to ensure concerned agencies are fully represented to clarify operational issues directly affecting stakeholders.
Responding to the backlash, Mr. Lod Nneji, spokesman for the organisers — Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives and Hynek Media — absolved his team of blame, saying Customs was duly invited and acknowledged receipt.
He expressed shock over the Service’s unexplained absence despite its central role in the topic.
Launched to replace the NICIS II system, B’Odogwu is Nigeria’s Unified Customs Management Platform designed to digitise trade documentation, enhance transparency, and ease business processes.
Despite early challenges, it has improved revenue collection and operational efficiency across ports — a feat stakeholders insist Customs should have showcased and defended at the seminar.
Reporting by Fabian Anawo