The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its partnership with Access Bank to consolidate gains and promote seamless integration following the successful deployment of its Unified Management System, codenamed B’Odogwu.
This commitment was reaffirmed during a virtual meeting on Monday with officials of Access Bank, where both parties aligned operational frameworks and deepened collaboration to support trade facilitation and financial system integration.
The session was led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Kikelomo Adeola.
It also included the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, and Assistant Comptroller Bukola Omoniyi from ICT/Modernisation Department.
The engagement focused on enhancing synergy between Customs and the financial sector, particularly in streamlining payment systems, boosting data exchange, and ensuring real-time processing of trade-related transactions through the B’Odogwu platform.
Speaking during the meeting, DCG Adeola reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to seamless stakeholder integration in the post-deployment consolidation phase.
“The deployment of B’Odogwu marks a new era in Customs administration. Our next priority is to strengthen partnerships with financial institutions like Access Bank to fully unlock the platform’s potential for automation, transparency, and trade efficiency,” she said.
Adeola noted that B’Odogwu, developed as an indigenous solution, has already transformed Customs’ operations by unifying procedures, automating declarations, and enabling real-time transaction monitoring.
She added: “To achieve optimal functionality, all players within the trade value chain must be fully integrated. This engagement with Access Bank is not just timely—it is strategic.”
In response, Olatunbosun Oladunke, Head of Global Trade at Access Bank, commended the NCS for its forward-thinking digital transformation and assured the bank’s support.
“The B’Odogwu platform represents a major leap in digital trade processing. Access Bank is fully aligned with the NCS vision and is committed to ensuring system compatibility—particularly in trade finance and payment automation,” Oladunke remarked.
Similarly, Olakunle Aderinokun, Head of Media and Public Relations at Access Holdings/Access Bank, stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement and public awareness.
His words: “Public buy-in is critical to the success of any reform. We will collaborate with the Service to drive awareness of B’Odogwu and educate stakeholders on the value it brings to the trading ecosystem.”
The meeting forms part of the NCS’s broader strategy to accelerate its trade modernisation agenda through strategic partnerships, transparency, and continuous innovation.
The NCS is leveraging B’Odogwu to create a seamless, digital Customs experience, aligning with global best practices and supporting economic growth.
