The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to amplify the B’Odogwu platform nationwide after its test launch at the Port Terminal Multi-service Limited (PTML) Area Command.
The Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during the pre-launch key stakeholders’ engagement at Apapa Area Command, Lagos, on Monday, March 3, 2025, reiterated the Service’s commitment to a seamless transition despite initial challenges.
Comptroller Adeniyi disclosed that the launch at PTML Command experienced a number of hitches, however, he acknowledged that the implementation team was on hand to address some of them.
“With your cooperation, support, and understanding, we will address all those challenges together. Our leadership team have established implementation benchmarks with clearly defined success criteria and contingency plan,” he said.
The Customs boss reaffirmed the NCS’ commitment to continuous progress, explaining that the valuable insights gained from the pilot implementation will inform and enhance the nationwide rollout of the initiative.
“There is no looking backwards. We are focused on rolling out this platform. We have learned valuable lessons from PTML, and now, we are in the main place, and we want to ensure that the implementation will be seamless moving forward,” he stated.
Adeniyi pointed out that the Service, in collaboration with banks, is working towards integrating PAAR and Form ‘M’, which were not included in the PTML pilot.
“Once we capture that, we can conveniently say that we have captured almost 70-80% of our operations,” he added.
The Comptroller expressed confidence, citing the success recorded in PTML, where over 16,000 declarations were processed, generating revenue in excess of ₦120 billion within three months.
He assured stakeholders that the system is robust and designed to improve efficiency and revenue generation.
Similarly, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, highlighted the platform’s stability.
“Since its introduction, B’Odogwu has recorded zero downtime,” DCG Adeola stated, emphasising the importance of training to prevent system abuse.
She also affirmed that continuous training sessions are planned for stakeholders.
On his part, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, stressed the collective responsibility in making the platform successful.
Orbih mentioned that the initiative’s success depends on how well it is embraced.
In the same vein, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu assured that officers of the Command and stakeholders are well prepared for the initiative.
Comptroller Olomu remarked: “As the premier port, we are ready for the next phase of Customs modernisation. Extensive training has been conducted, and the testimonials from participants are positive.”
The Chairman of the National Council for Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Oladimeji Lawal lauded the Service for developing an in-house platform, noting that it is swift.
“B’Odogwu is faster when you want to take delivery; faster and different from NICIS; it’s our indigenous platform, which is going to be favourable for us if Customs can work as they started,” Lawal stated.
The pre-launch event saw stakeholders endorsing the benefits of the new system.
