The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has emphasized the need for immediate training of freight forwarders to efficiently utilize the Nigeria Customs Service’s newly launched digital clearance platform, B’Odogwu. This initiative is aimed at ensuring seamless logistics and freight forwarding operations across the country.

APFFLON President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, highlighted the importance of this training at the inauguration ceremony of the executive committee members for three key chapters of the association. The event, held at APFFLON’s headquarters, underscored the association’s commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s freight clearance processes through the B’Odogwu platform, which is expected to streamline and enhance the efficiency of clearing goods.

New Leadership at Strategic Ports

The inauguration also saw the swearing-in of new executive members from three critical Nigerian freight terminals: the Tin Can Island Port Command, Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, and the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command. These ports play pivotal roles in Nigeria’s logistics network, and the newly elected leaders are expected to champion the adoption of best practices and advocate for smoother freight forwarding operations.

At the Murtala Mohammed Airport Command, Olorunfunmi Quadri was appointed Chairman, with Busayo Okpara serving as Vice Chairman. Other notable members include Anselm Eke (Secretary) and Dare Olorunshaki (Treasurer). The Tin Can Island Port Command’s leadership team will be headed by Akeem Adebayo Ayobiojo as Chairman, supported by Jubril Usman as Vice Chairman. In Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, Haruna Isyaku Aliyu was appointed Chairman, among other key executives.

Addressing Operational Challenges

In his remarks, Otunba Ogunojemite expressed concerns over ongoing operational challenges, particularly the week-long server failure at the Tin Can Island Port Command. He criticized Web Fontaine, the service provider responsible for the port’s network system, for inefficiencies that have severely disrupted operations. Ogunojemite urged terminal operators and shipping companies to compensate freight forwarders for the financial burdens caused by these delays, arguing that simple apologies were inadequate.

Advocacy for Legislative and Institutional Reforms

Ogunojemite also voiced optimism regarding the ongoing amendment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act, which he believes will address operational inefficiencies and clarify who should bear the costs of such disruptions. Additionally, he criticized the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), describing it as ineffective, and called for its merger with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to better serve the industry.

Discrepancies in Cargo Throughput and Customs Revenue

The APFFLON president further raised concerns about the disparity between low cargo throughput at Nigerian ports and the high revenues reported by the Nigeria Customs Service. He attributed this anomaly to the devaluation of the naira and the controversial “846 policy,” which grants customs officers discretionary powers in vehicle clearance. Ogunojemite called for an investigation into the true impact of these policies on the revenue figures.

Moving Forward

APFFLON’s push for urgent training on the B’Odogwu platform is a significant step towards modernizing Nigeria’s freight forwarding industry. However, the operational and policy-related challenges highlighted by Ogunojemite underscore the need for broader reforms to ensure a more efficient and transparent logistics sector capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and trade aspirations.