Apapa Customs Rakes N161bn on B’Odogwu Platform, Comptroller Olomu Reassures Stakeholders
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a revenue collection of N161,258,483,474.63 within just three weeks on the Unified Customs Management System, popularly known as B’Odogwu.
Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, disclosed this development while reassuring stakeholders that the system will soon overcome its initial teething challenges and exceed user expectations.
Olomu explained that the amount, collected between 1 and 22 August 2025, demonstrates the potential of B’Odogwu to drive greater efficiency in customs operations and enhance trade facilitation beyond previous ICT systems deployed by the Service.
He attributed the progress to the consistent stakeholder engagement spearheaded by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, noting that the dialogue has been instrumental in addressing concerns and maintaining confidence among importers, licensed agents, and freight forwarders.
“I am pleased with the maturity, patience, understanding and support we have received from our stakeholders in the past and most recent times. Their confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service’s ability to overcome and resolve all network glitches is not misplaced. It further underscores our shared values as patriotic Nigerians who want to see our home-grown ICT initiative thrive,” Olomu stated.
The Area Controller highlighted that the CGC has also initiated discussions with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to mitigate the effects of recent system downtime, including interventions on demurrage waivers with terminal operators and shipping companies.
In further demonstration of commitment, Olomu revealed that the Command has extended its operational hours beyond the conventional Monday-to-Friday schedule. Officers, he said, have been directed to work late hours and weekends to fast-track the clearance of backlogs and minimise delays.
He added that the NCS ICT department is working round the clock to deliver a permanent solution to challenges associated with the B’Odogwu system.
The Zonal Coordinator, Charles Orbih, was also physically present at the Apapa Command to engage stakeholders directly, reassuring them of the Service’s dedication to efficient service delivery.
Olomu described Apapa Command as a critical and strategic hub for achieving the Service’s revenue and trade facilitation goals, expressing optimism that with continued collaboration, the B’Odogwu platform will become a benchmark for customs automation in Nigeria.
