Tincan Customs Command Launches B’Odogwu Platform, Captures First Declaration
…Commits to a New Era of Transparent and Efficient Cargo Operations
The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially launched the B’Odogwu platform, an indigenous digital solution for cargo processing.
The milestone was marked by the successful capture of the first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) on the new platform on Monday, 12 May 2025.
According to a statement signed by
SC Oscar E. IVARA, Public Relations Officer of the command, the groundbreaking development positions Tincan Island Port – one of Nigeria’s busiest seaports – at the forefront of customs modernisation, aligning with the Federal Government’s agenda to enhance the ease of doing business and strengthen transparency in port operations.
Speaking during the launch, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, described the event as a “watershed moment” for maritime operations in Nigeria.
“This achievement demonstrates our readiness to embrace technology that streamlines cargo clearance procedures, reduces dwell time, and improves service delivery,” he stated. “The B’Odogwu platform has shown great promise, and we are proud to be pioneers in its implementation.”
According to Comptroller Onyeka, the new platform integrates seamlessly with existing customs systems and offers a user-friendly interface for stakeholders such as declarants, brokers, and terminal operators.
It enables real-time cargo tracking, digital document processing, and improved compliance management, thereby minimising manual delays and eliminating opportunities for inefficiency.
He also noted that the Command now enjoys 100 per cent network infrastructure coverage across all terminals and its headquarters.
“The problem of network failure is now a thing of the past. We now have seamless connectivity that will guarantee timely and efficient processing of trade documentation,” he affirmed.
To ensure a smooth transition to the new system, the Command organised a series of comprehensive training sessions and stakeholder engagement forums in collaboration with the system developers.
These capacity-building programmes were attended by representatives from shipping lines, customs licensed agents, terminal operators, and customs officers, and focused on system navigation, document processing, cargo tracking, and compliance protocols.
The inaugural declaration on the B’Odogwu platform was made by SteveJosh Logistics International Limited, whose representatives expressed optimism about the platform’s potential to lower transaction costs and enhance Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.
Industry stakeholders have lauded the initiative, describing it as a timely innovation capable of transforming cargo handling at Nigerian ports.
The Tincan Island Port Command reiterated its unwavering commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to advance Nigeria’s economic development and facilitate international trade.
