The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to expand its digital modernisation initiative with the nationwide rollout of the B’Odogwu platform, following a pilot phase at the Port Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Area Command.
Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to a smooth transition during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement at the Apapa Area Command on Monday, March 3, 2025.
Adeniyi acknowledged initial challenges faced during the PTML pilot but assured that the implementation team was proactive in resolving them. “With your cooperation, support, and understanding, we will address all those challenges together. Our leadership team has established implementation benchmarks with clearly defined success criteria and a contingency plan,” he stated.
Highlighting the next phase, Adeniyi stressed the determination to move forward seamlessly. “There is no looking backwards. We have learned valuable lessons from PTML, and now, we are in the main place. We want to ensure the implementation will be seamless moving forward,” he said.
He further revealed ongoing collaboration with banks to integrate the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) and Form ‘M’ into the platform, which were not included in the PTML pilot. “Once we capture that, we can conveniently say that we have captured almost 70-80% of our operations,” he added.
The CGC cited the PTML pilot’s success, where over 16,000 declarations were processed, generating revenue exceeding N120 billion within three months. He assured stakeholders of the system’s robustness, emphasizing its efficiency and revenue-enhancing potential.
Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, highlighted the platform’s stability, noting that “since its introduction, B’Odogwu has recorded zero downtime.” She also underscored the importance of continuous training to prevent system abuse.
Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, urged stakeholders to embrace the initiative, emphasizing collective responsibility in ensuring its success.
Similarly, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, assured that officers and stakeholders were prepared for the transition. “As the premier port, we are ready for the next phase of customs modernisation. Extensive training has been conducted, and the testimonials from participants are positive,” he noted.
Stakeholders at the pre-launch expressed confidence in the platform. Chairman of the National Council for Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Oladimeji Lawal, praised the initiative, describing B’Odogwu as a faster and more efficient alternative to NICIS.
“B’Odogwu is faster when you want to take delivery; it’s different from NICIS. It’s our indigenous platform, and it will be favourable for us if Customs can work as they started,” he remarked.
The NCS remains optimistic that the expansion of B’Odogwu will enhance trade facilitation, improve customs operations, and boost national revenue.