B’Odogwu: APFFLON Supports Customs, Task Shippers Council, Terminal Operators, Shipping Companies on Demurrage Waivers

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has declared support for the Nigeria Customs Service B’Odogwu trade platform, even as it encourages other stakeholders in the maritime industry to exercise patience in the face of teething problems the platform is currently experiencing.

In a press statement on Sunday, President of APFFLON, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite called on the Nigerian Shippers Council to rise up to the ocassion and work out demurrage waivers for port users in collaboration with terminal operators and shipping companies.

According to him, freight forwarders and importers should not be made to bear all the brunt of the down time experienced due to the B’Odogwu platform alone.

Ogunojemite said the B’Odogwu platform represents a significant shift aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s customs operations through the domestication of technology, employment,improved revenue generation, greater operational transparency, and increased data sovereignty.

“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” Ogunojemite stated

The APFFLON President also called on all relevant government agencies to support the Nigeria Customs Service in its ongoing effort, specifically, he urged the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to intensify its role in regulating demurrage charges during this period of system adjustment.

According to him, freight forwarders and importers should not be unduly penalized through demurrage or storage fees arising from delays that are not of their making.

“It is essential that the cost of progress is not unfairly transferred to the trading public. As such, we recommend urgent collaboration between the Shippers’ Council, terminal operators, and shipping lines to ensure that necessary waivers are granted where justified.

“This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s trade,freight forwarding and logistics ecosystem. Please our leadership, patience, and unity is essential to ensure that the B-ODOGWU transformation becomes 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” he said