CUSTOMS B’ ODOGWU : NAGAFF Recommends Creation Of Multiple Indigenous Languages For Users Manual

By Roland Ekama

In line with trade facilitation, and the minimization of human intervention , the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has recommended to management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to create user manuals in multiple Nigerian languages for a successful implementation of B’ ODOGWU project.

As part of efforts to Improve transparency and traceability of cargo movements,NAGAFF also acknowledged the NCS’s efforts to modernize customs operations and improve trade facilitation, but emphasized the importance of addressing the raised concerns for the successful implementation of B’ODOGWU.

According to a statement made available to DAILYFOCUS NIGERIA by the Secretary General of the association against the backdrop of a sensitization programme held recently in Abuja for stakeholders , NAGAFF also requested for the establishment of a help desk accessible at all times.

With the project aimed to reduced clearance time and costs, the scribe who quoted the President of NAGAFF,Chief Tochukwu Ezisi further requested for customs to further extend training periods for operators, while calling for comprehensive training programmes and ongoing technical support to assist users.

Ezisi who made NAGAFF position known, asked for the creation of user manuals in multiple Nigerian languages and also pledged to collaborate with the NCS to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the benefits of the new system.

While making his recommendation at the forum, Ezisi urged management of the NCS to prioritize addressing connectivity and infrastructure challenges, adding that comprehensive and ongoing training programmes should be provided for stakeholders.

He affirmed that a dedicated help desk should be established to offer technical support to aid trade facilitation, pointing out that
a sufficient transition period should be allowed for stakeholders to adapt to the new system.

The NAGAFF boss stressed the need for the customs to ensure transparency and effective communication with stakeholders throughout the implementation process.

He was quoted saying, that “The BODOGWU sensitization engagement served as a valuable platform for the NCS and stakeholders to exchange information and address concerns. Although challenges remain, the successful implementation of the new system has the potential to significantly improve customs operations and trade facilitation in Nigeria.

“NAGAFF remains committed to working with the NCS to ensure a successful outcome,”he stressed.

Recall that management of the service had launched the B’ ODOGWU project across major seaport commands and formations .