Nigeria’s maritime industry recently took center stage as stakeholders gathered for a thought-provoking seminar on the impact of the B’Odogwu Digital Platform on trade facilitation and women’s contributions to the maritime sector.
The event, organized by Hynek Media and the Media Anti-Corruption Initiative, brought together innovators, policy advocates, and gender champions to build a more transparent, inclusive, and technology-driven maritime ecosystem.
The seminar highlighted the critical role of media in driving transparency within the maritime sector, with Mr. Lod Onyeji, Project Coordinator of Hynek Media, emphasizing the need for collective progress towards a more efficient and equitable maritime ecosystem. He noted that the B’Odogwu Technology platform of the Nigeria Customs Service aligns perfectly with their vision of accountability and digital transformation.
The B’Odogwu Digital Platform has been making waves in the maritime industry, with Princess Ezeh, a key speaker, citing examples of its success. She revealed that the platform has significantly reduced cargo clearance time from weeks to hours and boosted Customs revenue, with the Apapa Command recording ₦161 billion within three weeks of adoption. Princess Ezeh also challenged stakeholders to dismantle barriers preventing women from advancing in the blue economy, emphasizing that gender equity is critical to sustainability.
The seminar also celebrated the growing footprint of women in maritime, with Mr. Emeka Nwosu, representing the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), praising their progress and linking it to the spirit of innovation embodied by B’Odogwu. He cited trailblazers such as Captain Rosalie Kunoketi, Captain Chinye Nkalo, and Funmi Folorunsho as inspirations for younger women and reaffirmed NAGAFF’s commitment to promoting gender-inclusive policies and capacity-building programs for women in the sector.
The event amplified the urgent call for gender inclusivity in the marine and blue economy, with stakeholders echoing a shared vision for Nigeria’s maritime sector to sail forward on the twin engines of technology and inclusivity to achieve global competitiveness and sustainable growth. The seminar concluded with a clear message: the B’Odogwu Digital Platform has the potential to transform trade facilitation, and women’s empowerment is crucial to the sustainability of the maritime sector.
As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the B’Odogwu Digital Platform is poised to play a significant role in shaping its future. With its ability to reduce cargo clearance time and boost revenue, the platform is a game-changer for trade facilitation. Moreover, its potential to promote gender inclusivity and empower women in the maritime sector is a step towards a more sustainable and equitable industry.
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has pledged to support the growth of women in maritime, recognizing their critical role in the sector’s success. By promoting gender-inclusive policies and capacity-building programs, NAGAFF aims to create a more level playing field for women to contribute to the maritime industry.
As Nigeria’s maritime sector looks to the future, it is clear that technology and inclusivity will be key drivers of progress. The B’Odogwu Digital Platform is a shining example of innovation in the industry, and its impact will be closely watched in the years to come. With stakeholders united in their vision for a more transparent, inclusive, and sustainable maritime ecosystem, the future looks bright for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
