Story by Dili Utomi.
The important roles played by women which have sharpened experiences in the evolution of the different professions within the Maritime sector were variously highlighted by speaker after speaker at a forum Tuesday morning.
The occassion was a one day seminar put together by a group of journalists. The seminar had the title: The Impact of the B’Odogwu Digital Platform on Trade Facilitation & Women’s Contributions to the Maritime Sector: Challenges in the New Marine and Blue Economy- How Far, How Well.
Speaking about the event in his opening speech, one of the organisers, Lucky Dilichukwu Onyeji stated that “There is no gain saying that the innovative B’Odogwu Technology and its impact in revolutionising trade facilitation and transparency conforms with our operating principles”.
Again, he noted that “In our non sentimental approach to issues, today, we are shining the spotlight on Women in Maritime, celebrating their contributions and promoting inclusivity in the Maritime industry”.
The chairman of the occassion, Prince Olayiwola Shittu was represented by Mr. Babatunde Mukaila Abdulaziz. He looked at the B’Odogwu digital platform that the Nigeria Customs Service introduced about a year ago and noted that “B’Odogwu is taking care of issues of transparency and accountability. The World Customs Organisation’s predictability index is being enhanced with the advent of the B’Odogwu software platform”.
The representative of the chairman while also speaking about the role of woman in the Maritime sector said that “Women have contributed greatly to the evolution and development of the sector”.
Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, the founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) was represented by Mr. Clement C. Iwegbuna. He took a look at the transformations that the NCS has gone through over the last 30 years and stated that there have been great innovations introduced over time and up until now that we have the B’Odogwu platform in place.
He stated categorically that “B’Odogwu has shown promises after the initial glitches and that it has now started operating much more smoothly making businesses faster”.
On the part of the women and their roles in the sector, Mr. Iwegbuna stated that the examples of pioneering women in the industry are more than enough inspiration for the younger ones to came into the business. He noted however, that it is heart gladdening to see more and more women coming into the sector.
Mrs. Rollens McFoy in her paper presentation, speaking about B’Odogwu noted that “The name combines “B” for Border and “Odogwu,” an Igbo word meaning “great” or “mighty,” that symbolises a powerful and efficient Customs system. The platform was designed to:
Improve Data Efficiency/Management (Unified end -end) -Enhance Automation
Streamline Cargo Processing
Boost Compliance
Strengthen Government revenue by integrating various stakeholders into a unified system.
improve trade efficiency”.
Mrs McFoy added that the platform has managed to achieve some notable advantages which include : Saved time, improved trade efficiency, quick access to information, cyber security tool, cost control, increased compliance, enhanced transparency & reduction in corruption by reducing physical human contact and interference. Reduction of demurrage and unified payment process.
She also noted some downside to the platform which include: Technical and implementation challenges, bank delays in payment, internet dependence, migration from old to new system, training issues and human element issues.
While noting the vital roles of women in the sector, Mrs. McFoy listed the factors militating against women’s participation in the sector such as gender-based violence, sexual violence and harassment, workplace discrimination, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, funding, manpower, legislation, safety, lack of resources, social and cultural norms, labour market segregation, underrepresentation in leadership, informal work risks and many other factors.
Also speaking on behalf of the president of the NAGAFF, Mr. Godfrey Emeka Nwosu noted that “certain qualities are exemplified daily by women in maritime logistics, port operations, customs brokerage, and shipping administration”.
He highlighted the trailblazing roles of such maritime women heavyweights as – Captain Roselyn Tortor Kete, Nigeria’s first female master mariner, who has commanded vessels across international waters and broken down gender stereotypes.
Rear Admiral Itunu Hotonu, the first female admiral in the Nigerian Navy, is a beacon of courage and leadership.
Captain Chinyere Kalu, Nigeria’s first female commercial ship captain, whose journey inspires young women to pursue careers at sea.
Funmi Folorunsho, maritime economist and the first African woman elected Secretary-General of the African Shipowners Association, advocating for indigenous shipping and policy reform.
Mercy Eyo-Ita, a seasoned maritime lawyer and port operations expert, who champions gender equity and regulatory excellence.
Princess Chi Eze, a seasoned freight forwarder, has inspired NAGAFF women to pursue careers in maritime and freight forwarding subsectors. Her impact is evident in their participation.
The speakers generally agreed that the B’Odogwu software platform has been very innovative and an invaluable platform needed to engender more indigenous technical approach to problem solving.
They also agreed that women have been vital in pioneering innovative solutions and the development of the maritime sector in Nigerian. They advocate better opportunities for young women to become more players in the field.
The low side of the event as was generally noted was the obvious absence of any officer of the Nigeria Customs Service. The organisers insisted that the Service was well contacted for the event.
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