Customs Set To Escalate B’Odogwu Platform With Implementation Benchmarks

…As Adeniyi Announce Continuation Rollout With Apapa, Tin-Can Commands

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to expand its modernisation initiative with the nationwide rollout of the B’Odogwu platform following its pilot implementation at the Port Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Area Command.

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, who disclosed above during a pre-launch high-level stakeholders’ engagement at Apapa Area Command on Monday, 3 March 2025, reaffirmed the service’s commitment to a seamless transition despite initial challenges.

While admitting that the launch at PTML command experienced a number of hitches, the CGC also noted that the implementation team was on hand to address some of them; adding that with the benefit of hindsight, the nationwide rollout would be tied to a fixed pre-programmed framework to evaluate its successes.

“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.”

Speaking on the next rollout phase, the CGC underscored the service’s determination to move forward without setbacks.

“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 said.

He noted that the service, in collaboration with the 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.

Expressing optimism, the CGC cited the success recorded in PTML in which over 16,000 declarations were processed, generating revenue in excess of N120 billion within three months. He assured stakeholders that the system is robust and designed to improve efficiency and revenue generation.

The Deputy Comptroller General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, highlighted the platform’s stability, stating, “Since its introduction, B’Odogwu has recorded zero downtime.”

She also stressed the importance of training to prevent system abuse, affirming that continuous training sessions are planned for stakeholders.

Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, emphasised collective responsibility in making the platform successful. He stated 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 and stakeholders are well prepared and ready to go with the new modernization initiative.

“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.”

Stakeholders at the pre-launch who acknowledged the benefits of the new system includes Oladimeji Lawal, Chairman of the National Council for Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), who commended the service for developing an indigenous platform.

“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”, he said.