Customs Say WebFontein Switched Off NICIS At PTML Command, Frustrated B’Odogwu for 3-Months

—Assures Soft Landing on Downtime

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has accused service provider, WebFontein, of frustrating its newly built trade integration platform; B’Odogwu by switching off the old platform, Nigeria Customs Integrated Service (NICIS) even before the B’Odogwu got a sound footing.

Customs Area Controller, PTML Command, Compt Tenny Daniyan made these revelations when he briefed journalists at the command on Wednesday.

Earlier Licensed Customs Agents had raised alarm that the B’Odogwu had fallen short of expectations as most of the cargoes discharged by three vessels are lying fallow at the terminal and they are unable to facilitate their clearance due to the teething problems being experienced by B’Odogwu.

However, Compt Daniyan said that the B’Odogwu was meant to run Paris-Passu with the NICIS when it was first launched and PTML was made a pilot command.

He however alleged that the moment the platform was launched, WebFontein switched off the command from its NICIS system, thereby making it difficult for officers to clear cargoes effectively.

Compt Daniyan said that for the past three months, most cargoes were being taken to a sister command, Tin Can Island Command and are being processed there by officers.

He said that by 17th of December, the Customs had to direct PTML Terminal not to transmit any vessel manifest any longer on NICIS so as to fully test the strength of the B’Odogwu.
According to him, the Customs Implementation committee has been detached permanently to the command to perfect all that needs to be perfected and attend to all challenges faced by stakeholders.

He equally annouced that the Customs would create a soft landing for importers whose cargoes are experiencing challenges in capturing or exiting due to B’Odogwu.

According to him, only those that have sincerely onboard the B’Odogwu platform to capture, and are suffering losses that would be attended to and given a soft landing.

“As you are all aware, B’Odogwu came onboard on 23rd October 2024, and the Customs Comptroller General came here to launch it. Thereafter, operations commenced.

“To give a bit of history, the B’Odogwu initiative was primarily a Customs initiative backed by the federal government of Nigeria through instructions from the Ministry of Defense. B’Odogwu is a platform designed for Customs to handle transactions, supported by Section 28 of the Nigerian Customs Act, 2023.

“When the initiative began, the former service provider, NICIS, specifically Web Fontaine, disconnected PTML from accessing their system. From that point, all NICIS-related jobs had to be handled by officers at the Tin Can Island Port.

“Despite these challenges, the process of installation and preparation for B’Odogwu’s commencement continued. Facilities such as network infrastructure and computer systems were brought in, leading to the official launch on 23rd October 2024.

“Following the launch, stakeholders, including terminal operators, officers, agents, and other participants in the trade chain, were integrated into the system. This software, developed entirely by Nigerian Customs officers, aims to save the government significant funds previously paid to foreign organizations.

“The journey hasn’t been without opposition. Some individuals have written against the implementation of B’Odogwu, but this resistance was anticipated. From the beginning, we emphasized that this is a Nigerian initiative, designed for Nigerians, and encouraged all citizens to support it.

“The B’Odogwu platform aligns with the Comptroller General of Customs’ three-pronged strategy of consolidation, coordination, and innovation.

“This system reflects innovation at its core, developed by Nigerian ICT experts within Customs. It deserves recognition and support for its potential to revolutionize operations.

“However, resistance to change has slowed the registration process for stakeholders on the platform. Despite this, recent improvements in stakeholder participation are encouraging. While there have been challenges, these are expected in any new system.

“In the early stages of implementation, PTML was chosen as a pilot location. The aim was to run B’Odogwu alongside NICIS, but NICIS disconnected PTML. This challenge motivated us to push forward with B’Odogwu. Resistance only strengthened our resolve to ensure the success of this initiative.

“Negative narratives surrounding B’Odogwu have emerged, but they are baseless.
B’Odogwu is here to stay. This message comes directly from the Comptroller General of Customs and the entire Nigerian Customs Service.

“We are expanding beyond PTML to Tin Can, Apapa, and all other commands nationwide. While there will be challenges, we are committed to succeeding and transforming the Customs service” Compt Daniyan stated.

While dissecting some of the challenges being encountered by B’Odogwu, Compt Daniyan said integration of banks into the new system had been an issue. He however promised that more banks, specifically 25 Nigerian banks are now keying into the platform.

“The other issue that came up is that some of our agents were unsure how to proceed on the B’Odogwu. Like any new system, this was expected. B’Odogwu is a special package that introduces some unique features.

“For instance, there are certain facilities in B’Odogwu that require specific inputs, similar to what exists in NICIS. When issues arise, they are directed to our implementation team, and they have been resolved quietly and effectively.

“Users need to input certain requirements not previously necessary in NICIS, which has caused some challenges.

“However, these issues have been addressed as they arise. Apart from this, there are no significant issues.

“Regarding network performance, I can confidently state that this new system is supported by one of the best networks. It uses high-capacity NBVPS, supported by fiber optics and radio links, with substantial redundancy. The system’s capacity far exceeds our current usage, ensuring minimal downtime.

“We encourage everyone to come on board, make their declarations, and experience the system. To assist users, the Nigerian Customs Service management has deployed an implementation team dedicated to resolving any challenges. If you do not come forward, how will you know if there is an issue? The team is here to assist and ensure smooth operations”

On the creation of a soft landing for importers, Compt Daniyan said “The dwell time for cargo at the command is 28-days, however we are humans, so we are going to apply the law with human face, we know what is happening, so we are not going to strictly enforce that law on B’Odogwu cargoes.

“There is going to be a grace period which I know the CGC will extend. The CGC on his own has the power to give grace period on B’Odogwu vessels that have not been able to capture or exit their cargoes”