The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the successful processing of its first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) through the indigenously developed B’Odogwu platform.
Oscar Ivara, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, made this known in a statement on Monday, noting that the development marks a significant step in trade facilitation, transparency, and operational efficiency at one of the country’s busiest seaports.
According to the statement, the successful deployment and processing of the inaugural SGD on the B’Odogwu platform reflect the NCS’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation, in line with the Federal Government’s (FG) drive to enhance ease of doing business.
Speaking on the milestone, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, said: “This achievement demonstrates our readiness to embrace technology that streamlines cargo clearance procedures, reduces dwell time, and improves service delivery. The B’Odogwu platform has shown great promise, and we are proud to be pioneers in its implementation.”
Comptroller Onyeka affirmed that the Command has achieved 100% network infrastructure coverage across all terminals and the Command’s headquarters, emphasising that network failures are now a thing of the past, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient processing of cargo and trade documentation.
He explained that the B’Odogwu platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Customs systems, providing a user-friendly interface for declarants, brokers, and other stakeholders.
The Comptroller also highlighted that the initiative enhances cargo tracking, document processing, and compliance management in real-time, reducing manual bottlenecks and minimising delays.
He disclosed that the launch was preceded by a series of extensive training sessions and stakeholder engagements organised by the Command, in collaboration with system developers. Key industry participants, including shipping lines, customs licensed agents, terminal operators, and customs officers, participated in the capacity-building initiatives.
The training sessions were designed to ensure the seamless adoption of the new platform and covered critical areas such as system navigation, document processing, cargo tracking, and compliance protocols.
Industry stakeholders, including SteveJosh Logistics International Limited, whose declaration was the first to be captured on the new platform, welcomed the innovation, expressing confidence that the development would reduce transaction costs and improve Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.
The Command reiterated its commitment to embracing technological advancements that support the nation’s economic growth and international trade agenda.
