Adeniyi Says Customs Software, B’Odogwu to Extend beyond Nigeria’s Borders
Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (middle) flanked by Deputy Comptroller General, ICT and Trade Modernization, DCG Adeola K.I (right) and the Zonal Coordinator A' of customs, Assistant Comptroller General Saidu Yusuf at the stakeholders meeting held at PTML Terminal on Wednesday.
By DAPO OLAWUNI
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a significant step in improving cargo clearance with the launch of an indigenous software system called “B’Odogwu.”
The system, designed to eliminate the persistent failures of foreign technologies, was unveiled by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, during a visit to the Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML) at Tincan Island, Lagos.
The software is expected to revolutionize customs processes in Nigeria and possibly in neighboring countries.
Speaking at the event, Adeniyi praised the homegrown nature of the new system, saying, “We are not likely to see a second B’Odogwu anywhere in the world. It is indigenous because it is a product of Nigeria, it is also original, and it is something we can all identify with. It is not a word that we borrowed. If we get it right, with your cooperation, it can become something that we can begin to export to other neighboring customs administrations.”
The creation of B’Odogwu followed repeated failures of foreign software solutions that had hindered seamless cargo clearance, causing massive financial losses for the country. Adeniyi reflected on the shortcomings of these systems, stating, “Foreign systems have failed Nigeria, as the number of times they have been down is greater than the times they have been operational. It is disappointing when organizations fail to leverage their extended presence in Nigeria to build credible reputations.”
He further explained that the NCS had no choice but to develop its own system after service providers repeatedly failed to meet their deliverables. “Despite multiple contract extensions, these providers did not deliver or hand over properly at the end of their contracts. We decided it was time to develop an indigenous system and move away from foreign systems like the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS), which expired in December 2022,” he added.
Adeniyi highlighted the specific benefits of the B’Odogwu platform, which is designed to streamline end-to-end business processes and support intelligent decision-making. “The new system will enhance our ability to manage customs operations more efficiently. It will provide stakeholders with customized integration capabilities and make the ease of doing business in Nigeria a reality,” he noted.
Addressing the infrastructural improvements at PTML, Adeniyi revealed that the facility has received a major upgrade to its network infrastructure, allowing it to handle modern demands. “We have upgraded PTML’s network infrastructure to meet the growing complexities in declarations, as the trade environment evolves,” he said.
Acknowledging the concerns of importers and agents about continuous server downtimes in the past, Adeniyi assured that B’Odogwu is built to minimize disruptions. “We understand that importers and agents have suffered delays and incurred significant losses due to demurrage caused by server failures. With B’Odogwu, we are determined to change that,” he said.
In addition to the new system, Adeniyi also announced the launch of a verification platform for agents. “This platform automates agents’ registration for licenses and permits, which will make the entire process smoother and more transparent,” he explained.
While anticipating some challenges during the rollout, Adeniyi reassured stakeholders that a dedicated technical support team would be on hand to resolve any issues. “We know there might be initial challenges, but we are ready. A technical support team will be available to address any difficulties encountered during the transition,” he said.
The Customs boss also expressed hope that the success of B’Odogwu would extend beyond Nigeria’s borders. “With time, this indigenous system can become a model for other neighboring customs administrations. Everybody would begin to identify with Nigeria, and that is a goal we are proud to pursue,” he concluded.
