Nigeria Customs Service Expands Digital Trade Facilitation with B’Odogwu Deployment at Lagos Ports
In a bold move to modernize and streamline Nigeria’s customs operations, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has announced the strategic deployment of the “B’Odogwu” trade facilitation tool at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos.
This expansion follows a successful pilot phase at the PTML Command earlier in 2024, signaling a major shift in how cargo clearance and trade operations are conducted across the nation’s busiest seaports.
A Strategic Rollout for Enhanced Trade Efficiency
Speaking during a pre-launch stakeholders’ engagement at the Apapa Command on Monday, Adeniyi emphasized that this phase of the deployment is not yet a full-scale launch but a carefully planned expansion to larger operational areas.
“It is a pre-launch, not a full launch, because we are deploying it at a bigger command,” Adeniyi clarified.
He underscored the importance of the timing, stating that the move aligns with the customs’ broader modernization agenda and its collaborative engagement with industry stakeholders.
Adeniyi further explained that the decision to develop B’Odogwu was born out of a need to address long-standing inefficiencies and frustrations experienced under the previous Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS).
“The new company took into account the history of frustration we have had with NICIS, so we decided to start over to develop a new system that would address all the delays and frustration of the past. So, we came up with B’Odogwu, which is homegrown,” he said.
A Homegrown Solution for Nigeria’s Customs Challenges
The Comptroller-General described B’Odogwu as a uniquely Nigerian initiative, with its name embodying the strength and leadership that the system aims to bring to customs operations.
“‘B’ stands for ‘Border,’ and ‘Odogwu’ signifies strength and leadership in African, particularly Nigerian, parlance,” Adeniyi explained.
He acknowledged that transitioning to a new system of this magnitude would come with challenges but reassured stakeholders that the NCS is prepared to tackle any obstacles.
“A project of this magnitude would not be a walk in the park. We had some challenges during the pilot phase at PTML, we have addressed some and carried over some. We are not going to wait until all the challenges are solved, but with your cooperation, we will resolve all,” he stated.
Integration with Commercial Banks for Seamless Trade Operations
A major breakthrough in the deployment of B’Odogwu is its full integration with commercial banks for the processing of Form ‘M’—a critical requirement for import documentation and trade facilitation in Nigeria.
Adeniyi confirmed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all authorized dealer banks to integrate with the platform, ensuring seamless financial transactions for importers and exporters.
“At PTML, we have integrated CBN. The CBN boss, at a meeting with us recently, has instructed all authorized dealer banks to queue into B’Odogwu, and they would all be opening Form M for you,” he announced.
Additionally, he assured stakeholders that communication channels would remain open to provide regular updates on the system’s operation and address concerns as they arise.
Stakeholder Confidence in B’Odogwu’s Capabilities
Deputy Comptroller-General of IT and Modernization, Kikelomo Adeola, reaffirmed the system’s reliability and efficiency. She assured stakeholders that lessons from the PTML pilot phase had been applied to strengthen B’Odogwu’s functionality.
“We have resolved teething issues following B’Odogwu’s test run at PTML as the pilot command. We have equally carried out training of agents, terminal operators, among others, on why the effective usage of the platform is crucial,” Adeola said.
She highlighted that since its introduction, B’Odogwu has maintained a flawless track record in system uptime.
“We have not had one minute of downtime since we kickstarted at PTML,” she stated confidently.
Additionally, she disclosed that issues related to authorized dealer banks had been addressed, bill of lading searches were now operational, and stakeholders could track job assignments through the platform. To enhance support, an active help desk has also been set up.
A New Era of Efficiency and Transparency in Customs Operations
Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, Charles Orbih, praised B’Odogwu as a transformative tool that would reposition Nigeria’s customs operations on the global stage.
“This system will position Nigeria at the forefront of customs operations worldwide, ushering in a new era of efficiency and transparency,” Orbih declared.
He emphasized that B’Odogwu aligns with the service’s vision of transitioning to a fully paperless customs environment, promising faster cargo clearance, greater predictability, and enhanced security features.
Apapa Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, in his welcome address, expressed the command’s readiness to embrace this new level of digital transformation.
“As the premier port, we are ready for the next level of the customs modernization agenda,” Olomu said.
He noted that extensive training had been conducted for customs officers and industry stakeholders, with overwhelmingly positive feedback received so far.
“Nigeria Customs under Adeniyi is the fastest developing customs administration in Africa,” Olomu added.
Conclusion: A Milestone in Nigeria’s Trade Modernization
With the phased deployment of B’Odogwu at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, Nigeria is taking a significant step toward a more efficient, transparent, and technologically advanced customs operation. The successful pilot phase at PTML has laid a strong foundation, and with the support of stakeholders, the NCS is poised to overcome challenges and fully implement the system nationwide.
The introduction of B’Odogwu represents a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s trade modernization efforts, promising a future where importers and exporters can operate within a more seamless, predictable, and corruption-free customs environment.
