B'ODOGWU : A NEW ERA FOR TRADE COMPLIANCE, EMBRACE IT, ALHAJI TANKO APPEALS TO OPERATORS

 

By Ambrose Obioma Okehi (News Emperor)

In an effort to ensure smoother business operation at the nation's seaports, the National Coordinator of the 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim has called on and sundry within the port community to see the newly introduced modernisation project of  the Nigeria Customs Service called B'Odegwu as the easies way to ensure trade facilitation.

Recall, Alhaji Tanko has

been a vocal advocate for trade compliance in the port industry over the years. Initially, he was skeptical about the introduction of the Customs Modernisation Project, popularly known as B'Odogwu, but after seeing its benefits, he has become a strong supporter.

"I was the person who raised the alarm that we didn't understand this B'Odogwu and what it represents," Alhaji Tanko recalled. However, after the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR worked hard to make the system workable, Alhaji Tanko praised the initiative. "He made things workable for us again," he said. "And you can see, that is why I can again praise the system."

The Coordinator of the 100% Compliance Team, Alhaji Tanko stated this in an exclusive interview with News Emperor at his office in Apapa this week.

With B'Odogwu, freight forwarders can now merge their Form M with the system and get their Pre-Arrival Review (PAR) within hours. This has simplified the process and reduced the time it takes to clear goods at the ports. Alhaji Tanko commended the CGC for listening to the concerns of stakeholders and making necessary adjustments to the system. "Before this time, you need to send the Form M to Abuja for confirmation," he explained. "But now, the commands can link the Form M to B'Odogwu and approve it at the command level."

As a champion of trade compliance, Alhaji Tanko has been working tirelessly to ensure that freight forwarders and other stakeholders comply with trade laws and regulations. He believes that compliance is essential for the growth and development of the port industry. "We have been trying to get our members to see reasons why we need to comply with the rules of the trading laws," he said. "As of now, I can rate our compliance level at 60%. And I believe that by the end of this year and next year, we will move to 80%."

Alhaji Tanko's commitment to trade compliance has earned him numerous awards and recognition. He sees these awards as words of encouragement and appreciation from people who value his work. "Each time I get an award, I feel at home, I feel happy, I feel encouraged," he said. "It's a sign that people are seeing what we're doing and appreciating it."

As a bridge builder between the freight forwarding community and government agencies, Alhaji Tanko has been able to resolve several disputes and issues. He attributes his success to his determination, consistency, and honesty. "I've been having challenges, but I'm not discouraged," he said. "I'm challenged, but I'm not discouraged. If I were discouraged, I wouldn't still be doing this."

Alhaji Tanko also emphasized the importance of government agencies operating within their limits. "We want government officials to stay within the jurisdiction of their power," he said. "Instead of jumping into other areas outside their jurisdiction." He cited an example of the Nigerian Police arresting containers, which is not within their power. "If you arrest a container, can you raise a Debit Note? Can you seize the container?" he asked.

In his final remarks, Alhaji Tanko appealed to freight forwarders and stakeholders to embrace B'Odogwu as their own. "I want to appeal to our members to please look at this B'Odogwu as our personal property," he said. "It is something that will benefit all of us in the course of doing our businesses at the ports." He commended the CGC for the initiative and encouraged stakeholders to see it as a tool that will facilitate trade more effectively.

With his unwavering commitment to trade compliance and his advocacy for B'Odogwu, Alhaji Tanko is set to continue playing a key role in shaping the port industry in Nigeria. His determination and honesty have earned him recognition, and his efforts have improved compliance levels in the industry. As the port industry continues to evolve, Alhaji Tanko's leadership and advocacy will be crucial in ensuring that stakeholders comply with trade laws and regulations.