Freight forwarders in the nation’s maritime industry have again, called on the Nigerian government to terminate the IT infrastructure contract of Webb Fontaine for the Nigeria Customs Service and engage a reliable IT service provider.
The freight agents described the IT service provider operations to customs as sabotage to the nation’s, revenue drive calling on the Finance Ministry to look inward by probing its operations in Nigerian ports.
Webb Fontaine is the service provider that provides IT infrastructure for the Customs.
According to a statement from Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics in Nigeria (APFFLON),titled “Nigeria Ports Crisis: Why FG Shouldn’t Renew Webb Fontaine Contract dated August 29, 2022, alleged that the company’s 16-year management of Customs portal has been characterized by
consistent server breakdown which either connote gross inefficiency or a nonchalant work culture by the organization.
The statement signed by APFFLON National President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite further alleged that Webb Fontaine does not have help desk or contact offices at ports and terminals, rather the company stations its offices at choice locations in cities, against its immediate communities which are the ports and terminals.
He noted that the IT firm operations should be queried adding that the company shortcomings has resulted to numerous challenges facing port operations.
“As the contract of Webb Fontaine, the official technology partner for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ends in December 2022, Nigerian importers, Freight forwarders and the nation’s entire maritime sector should receive a breath of fresh air without Webb Fontaine, because the services or the company have been an economic sabotage to the nation.
“Webb Fontaine is the manager of Customs digital platforms, are responsible for the provision of IT & telecom infrastructure for Nigeria. This encompasses the delivery of Customs Management System nationwide with the Nigeria Customs Integrated System (NICIS l).
However, the company’s 16-year management of Customs portal has been characterized by consistent server breakdowns which ether connote gross inefficiency or a nonchalance work culture by the organization.
“Since 2006, when the company began its technical suPport service for Customs, Nigerian importers have suffered colossal fiscal losses from downtime at every port and terminal in the nation This additional cost leads to higher prices for the imported goods (infraction)impoverishing Nigerians while the company suffers no losses
“Over the years, there have been no sensitization or stakeholders engagement by Webb Fontaine on its operations or any regret or public apology for the losses the importers and other ports’ users were subjected, leaving aggrieved ports users to blame Customs officials and the NCS management for server disruptions.
“it should be noted that Webb Fontaine does not have help desk or contact offices at ports and terminals, rather the company stations its offices at cholce locations in cities, whereas. its services are for ports and terminals.
Recall that freight forwarders under the aegis of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) had expressed concerns over the IT firms inconsistency of server breakdown.
This concern was contained in a protest letter addressed to the Minister of Finance by the National Chairman of NAGAFF 100% Compliance Team, Ibrahim Tanko, on September 7, 2022.
In the letter, Ibrahim Tanko said “overtime, the company has proved grossly incompetent and utterly indifferent to our plight, to the detriment of Nigeria’s economy. The rate at which their server fails is becoming unbearable.
“Since this year, we have witnessed several server failures. Since Thursday August 1, 2022, no single declaration has been treated by the Customs. There is a total shutdown.
“We beg to ask if Webb Fontaine will bear the cost of demurrage that has accumulated. As we write, the Customs is idle. They cannot process import and export entries. You cannot imagine the quantum of loss to the economy.
“On our part, the attendant demurrage has ruined our business and relationships with our shippers and importers. We therefore call out Webb Fontaine as economic saboteurs.
“Over here the restiveness among freight forwarders is brewing hot. We therefore call on your good office to review the contract of the said service provider. A cancellation of the contract is most ideal. Another service provider who is a more proactive and sensitive to our needs must come in.”
Attempt by our correspondent to get response from officials IT firm prove abortive .
By Roland Ekama
