The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched the pre-launch phase of the ‘B’Odogwu’ trade facilitation platform at the Apapa and Tincan Island commands to enhance trade operations. Speaking to journalists on Monday in Apapa, Lagos, during a stakeholder engagement, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the importance of stakeholder support to ensure the platform’s efficient operation.
B’Odogwu, an indigenous trade facilitation tool developed by the NCS, is set to replace the existing Nigerian Integrated Customs Information System II. The platform aims to modernize customs processes, streamline trade documentation, and improve revenue collection efficiency.
Adeniyi explained that the pre-launch follows the successful pilot phase at the Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited Command earlier this year. He clarified that this is still a pre-launch phase, not the full implementation, due to the scale of the Apapa and Tincan commands. He urged stakeholders to cooperate in addressing any challenges that may arise.
He reminded attendees of past collaborations, saying, “With your cooperation, support, and understanding, we will address all challenges together. I need to remind you of our efforts back in 2013-2014, when we walked this same path together.”
The Comptroller General highlighted that B’Odogwu replaces the old system with a more robust, indigenous solution, designed to overcome the frustrations associated with previous customs management platforms.
Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Information Technology/Modernisation, Kikelomo Adeola, assured stakeholders of ongoing engagement to refine the system. She confirmed that extensive internal testing had been conducted to ensure a smooth transition. Adeola stressed the importance of cooperation from all industry players to address any emerging issues.
The Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General Charles Orbih, underscored the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring the success of the new system. He described the B’Odogwu deployment as a major step forward in modernizing customs operations and urged stakeholders to embrace the changes.
Orbih also pointed out that the success of the initiative depends on the willingness of both customs officers and industry players to adapt, learn, and grow with the system.
The Customs Area Controller for Apapa Command, Babatunde Olomu, commended the CG for his commitment to modernization and stakeholder engagement. Olomu emphasized that each visit from the CG to Apapa has left a lasting impact on revenue growth, trade facilitation, and security.
He added that the modernized infrastructure is key to achieving the NCS’s objectives and noted that Apapa Command is dedicated to training its officers for a smooth transition to the new system.
