Nigeria Customs Expands B’Odogwu Platform for Seamless Operations in Apapa, Tincan
…Assures Stakeholders of Smooth Rollout Despite Initial Hurdles
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is advancing its digital modernisation efforts with the nationwide rollout of the B’Odogwu platform, following its pilot implementation at the Port Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Area Command.
The platform, designed to streamline cargo clearance processes, is now set to be deployed at the Apapa and Tincan Island Area Commands.
Speaking during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement at the Apapa Area Command on Monday, 3 March 2025, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to a seamless transition despite initial challenges encountered during the pilot phase.
He acknowledged the difficulties faced at PTML but assured stakeholders that the implementation team had worked diligently to resolve 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.
Addressing concerns about possible setbacks, the CGC emphasised the service’s unwavering determination to move forward with the platform’s expansion.
“There is no looking backwards. We are focused on rolling out this platform. We have learned valuable lessons from PTML, and now, we are in the main place, and we want to ensure that the implementation will be seamless moving forward,” he said.
Adeniyi further revealed that efforts are underway to integrate the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) and Form ‘M’ into the system – features that were not included in the PTML pilot phase.
“Once we capture that, we can conveniently say that we have covered almost 70-80% of our operations,” he added.
Highlighting the success of the initial deployment, the CGC disclosed that over 16,000 declarations were processed at PTML, generating more than N120 billion in revenue within three months.
He reassured stakeholders that the B’Odogwu system is designed to enhance efficiency and revenue collection while eliminating delays.
The Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, emphasised the platform’s reliability, stating that since its launch, B’Odogwu has recorded zero downtime.
She also stressed the importance of training to prevent system misuse and ensure maximum efficiency.
“Continuous training sessions are planned for stakeholders to ensure they understand and utilise the system effectively,” she affirmed.
Similarly, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, underscored the collective responsibility required for the platform’s success.
“The effectiveness of this initiative depends on how well it is embraced by all parties involved,” he stated.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, assured that officers and stakeholders are well-prepared for the rollout.
“As the premier port, we are ready for the next phase of customs modernisation. Extensive training has been conducted, and the feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive,” he noted.
Stakeholders at the engagement session expressed optimism about the new system’s impact.
The Chairman of the National Council for Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Oladimeji Lawal, lauded the Nigeria Customs Service for developing an indigenous solution tailored to local needs.
“B’Odogwu is faster when it comes to taking delivery; it is more efficient and different from NICIS. It is our indigenous platform, which will be beneficial to us if customs can maintain the momentum they have started with,” he remarked.
With the planned expansion to Apapa and Tincan, the NCS remains resolute in its mission to revolutionise trade facilitation in Nigeria, leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and boost revenue generation.
