The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is preparing to roll out the B’Odogwu platform across the country after a successful pilot at the Port Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Area Command.
During a high-level meeting with stakeholders at the Apapa Area Command on Monday, March 3, 2025, Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi emphasized the NCS’s commitment to a smooth transition despite some initial challenges. He acknowledged that the pilot at PTML faced a few issues but assured everyone that the implementation team was ready to resolve them.
“With your cooperation and support, we will overcome these challenges together. Our leadership has set clear benchmarks and plans for success,” he stated.
Read Also: Rivers Electoral Body Sets Local Government Elections for August 9
Looking ahead, Adeniyi expressed determination to move forward without setbacks. “We are focused on rolling out this platform. We have learned valuable lessons from PTML, and we want to ensure the implementation is seamless from here on out,” he added.
He also mentioned that the Nigeria customs is collaborating with banks to integrate important processes like PAAR and Form ‘M’, which were not part of the PTML pilot. “Once we achieve this, we will have covered about 70-80% of our operations,” he noted.
Adeniyi highlighted the success of the PTML pilot, where over 16,000 declarations were processed, generating more than N120 billion in revenue within three months. He assured stakeholders that the B’Odogwu platform is designed to enhance efficiency and increase revenue.
Deputy Comptroller-General for ICT and Modernization, Kikelomo Adeola, emphasized the platform’s reliability, stating, “Since its launch, B’Odogwu has experienced zero downtime.” She also stressed the importance of ongoing training to prevent misuse of the system, confirming that continuous training sessions will be offered to stakeholders.
ACG Charles Orbih, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘A’, reminded everyone of their shared responsibility in making the platform a success. He noted that the initiative’s effectiveness depends on how well it is embraced by all parties involved.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller for Apapa, assured that officers and stakeholders are well-prepared for the next phase of customs modernization. “As the primary port, we are ready for this new step. Extensive training has been conducted, and feedback from participants has been very positive,” he said.
Stakeholders at the pre-launch meeting recognized the advantages of the new system. Oladimeji Lawal, Chairman of the National Council for Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), praised the NCS for creating an indigenous platform. “B’Odogwu is faster for deliveries and different from NICIS; it’s our own platform that will benefit us if customs operates as they have started,” he remarked.
