The Customs Area Comptroller of Oil & Gas Free Trade Zone Command, Onne Seaport, Rivers State, Comptroller Immaculata Nyong, has called on stakeholders to ensure compliance that is aimed at fostering improved efficiency, and promote seamless trade at the Command.
CAC Nyong, made the call during an interactive session with key players in the Free Trade Zone, which include: shipping lines, terminal operators, and clearing agents, among others.
Comptroller Nyong at the stakeholders meeting, pointed out the importance of adhering strictly to a 14-day grace period for the perfection of urgent release of consignments and ensuring prompt response to Demand Notices.
At the meeting, Nyong pointed out that these measures were crucial to sustaining the integrity and smooth flow of trade in the zone.
Responding on operational challenges, Comptroller Nyong assured stakeholders that the persistent issue of poor network connectivity would soon be resolved with the introduction of the ‘B’Odogwu’ platform, a new digital system that is aimed at streamlining Customs’ processes.
An Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC), US Abba and Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC) I, MM Aji, who delivered comprehensive presentations on Unified Customs Management System, popularly known as B’Odogwu, also assured that the platform will enhance efficiency in data management and trade facilitation.
Chief Eric Aso Kalu
Valid questions were raised by stakeholders regarding the security of the B’Odogwu platform and the preservation of historical data during the interactive session.
Responding to the issues that were raised by stakeholders, the organisers assured participants of the system’s robust security architecture and data continuity features.
The Area Comptroller, further reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to fostering a transparent and responsive trade environment, while urging all stakeholders to collaborate proactively, for the success of reforms within the Free Trade Zone Authority.
Speaking during the interactive session, the Chairman, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Oil & Gas Free Trade Zone chapter, Chief Eric Aso Kalu, expressed his heartfelt satisfaction with the engagement and its outcome.
The chapter chairman further stated that he has no doubt in the ability of the new Oil & Gas Free Trade Zone Customs Area Comptroller, Comptr. Immaculata Nyong, to deliver on the mandate of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Chief Kalu opined that since her assumption of office as the CAC of FTZ Command, that his engagement and several discussions with her, showed that she is in the Command for stakeholders collaboration and synergy, geared towards seamless operations at the Oil & Gas Free Trade Zone.
The Oil & Gas chapter Chairman, Chief Kalu, assured that they will give her the needed cooperation to ensure that she succeeded in her mandate of transparency, trade facilitation, robust revenue generation and stakeholders engagement, among others.
Some of the dignitaries that attended the interactive session with stakeholders include: the General Manager Operations at the Oil & Gas Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Authority, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Onne Port, a representative of the Nigeria Immigration Service, representatives of WACT, Prime Port, Seplat, Total Energies, ANLCA, and other critical stakeholders operating at the Free Trade Zone Authority.
