Nigeria Customs Launches B’Odogwu, Unified Management System to Boost Trade Efficiency
Nigeria Customs Launches B’Odogwu, Unified Management System to Boost Trade Efficiency
By Asuquo Nuwak
…Starts a pilot phase at PTML
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched B’Odogwu, a new Unified Customs Management System, starting with a pilot phase in Lagos at Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML).
While addressing lnewsmen at PTML Command on Wednesday, 23 October 2024
The Comptroller- General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, who disclosed this while addressing newsmen at PTML Customs command on Wednesday, 23 October 2024, also stated that the innovative platform represents a significant milestone in Nigeria Customs’ modernisation journey, aligning with global best practices.
He said B’Odogwu is the new customs management system that embodies the vision for a paperless customs administration that facilitates seamless trade while maintaining robust security measures.
In his words: “It is important to note that B’Odogwu will eventually replace the current Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) as the NCS Legacy System. The system has been developed with foresight, acknowledging that the National Single Window will be coming on board soon, and B’Odogwu will be integrated with it when implemented by the Federal Government”.
The Comptroller- General of Customs CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, stated that the initiative is fully supported by the legal framework provided in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which is in line with sections 28 and 29 of the Act that empower the Service to develop, maintain, and employ electronic systems while ensuring transparency and stakeholder consultation.
In his presentation, the CGC urged stakeholders to embrace the change with optimism and provide constructive feedback that will help improve the system.
He is quoted as saying that: “As we commence this pilot scheme, i urge all stakeholders to embrace this change with optimism and provide constructive feedback that will help us refine and improve the system, as your input is crucial to the success of this initiative”.
He noted that B’Odogwu will enhance the ability to streamline end-to-end business processes, provide stakeholders with customised integration capabilities, support more efficient and intelligent business decisions, and facilitate ease of doing business.
The Comptroller- General, expressed gratitude to terminal operators, customs officers, licensed customs agents, and the Trade Modernisation Project team for their support and commitment to the project’s success.
He therefore charged officers of the PTML command to take training associated with the initiative seriously as they will implement it in other commands.
In the words of Comptroller-General of Customs: “You will now play the role of pace setters in the Nigeria Customs Service. It is being sown here; we are going to nurture it to fruition here, and we want to assure you that it is going to work”.
At the end of the press briefing, the Comptroller-General of Customs, disclosed that
the system’s development is a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Trade Modernisation Project team.
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