The Port Harcourt Area II Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Onne, has launched an indigenous technology called the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, aimed at enhancing efficiency and ensuring swift goods clearance.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Theophilus Duniya, the historic indigenous technology was deployed on Tuesday at the Command to achieve the expected results.
Speaking on the development, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede said: ‘’It is imperative for the Command to key into the Service’s efforts to fully automate its services to improve efficiency, enhance compliance and optimize revenue collection.
“Today we are witnesses of the first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) released on the B’Odogwu platform with reference number C1202505PN. This is another giant stride achieved by the Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
“This technology facilitates efficient and timely clearance of goods; thereby, reducing delays and costs for businesses.”
The historic release of the SGD on the indigenously developed platform was witnessed by both officers of the Command and key stakeholders.
On the significance of the development, an agent, Mr. Iroegbu Samuel, affirmed the numerous advantages of B’Odogwu over the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICISS II).
“From my experience going through the process, from the capturing to the release was very short and fast. People should not entertain any fear or doubt because it’s not far different from the NICISS platform. However, it is more flexible,” Samuel stated.
Comptroller Babandede urged stakeholders and the general public to embrace B’Odogwu’s technology and experience its benefits.
He also encouraged them to join the Service in its quest to transform Customs operations in Nigeria.
