HAPPENING NOW: Customs CG Adeniyi Deploys “B’Odogwu” at Apapa, Tin Can Ports

— All Commercial Banks Now Integrated for Form ‘M’ Openings, Says Adeniyi

By DAPO OLAWUNI

In a significant step towards modernizing Nigeria’s customs operations, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has announced the deployment of the “B’Odogwu” trade facilitation tool at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos. This expansion follows a successful pilot phase at the PTML Command earlier in 2024.

Adeniyi made the announcement during a pre-launch stakeholders’ engagement at the Apapa Command on Monday, emphasizing the strategic timing of the deployment.

“It is a pre-launch, not a full launch, because we are deploying it at a bigger command,” Adeniyi explained.

According to him, the timing is strategic because it aligns with the customs transformative agenda in collaboration with its stakeholders.

The CG highlighted the evolution of the system, noting the termination of a long-standing contract with a service provider and the subsequent engagement of a new company, TMP Limited to develop a new, homegrown system.

“The new company took into account the history of frustration we have had with NICIS, so we decided to start over to develop a new system that would address all the delays and frustration of the past. So we came up with B’Odogwu, which is homegrown,” Adeniyi said.

He clarified that “B’Odogwu” is an African, Nigerian term, with “B” standing for “Border” and “Odogwu” signifying strength and leadership.

Acknowledging potential challenges, Adeniyi drew parallels to the transition to PAAR in 2013, assuring stakeholders that glitches would be addressed collaboratively.

“A project of this magnitude would not be a walk in the park. We had some challenges during the pilot phase at PTML, we have addressed some and carried over some. We are not going to wait until all the challenges are solved, but with your cooperation, we would resolve all,” he stated.

A key development announced by Adeniyi is the complete integration of all commercial banks for Form ‘M’ openings.

“At PTML, we have integrated CBN. The CBN boss at a meeting with us recently, has instructed all authorized dealer banks to queue into B’Odogwu, and they would all be opening Form M for you,” he confirmed to the gathered stakeholders.

He also pledged to open all communication channels with the stakeholders for information on B’Odogwu.

Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) of IT and Modernization, Kikelomo Adeola, reassured stakeholders that teething issues from the PTML pilot had been resolved.

“We have resolved teething issues following B’Odogwu’s test run at PTML as the pilot command. We have equally carried out training of agents, terminal operators, among others on why the effective usage of the platform is crucial.

“If one does not know how to use it, there would be abuse.” DCG Adeola stated.

She emphasized the system’s reliability, stating, “We have not had one minute of downtime of B’Odogwu since we kickstarted at PTML.”

Adeola also confirmed that challenges with authorized dealer banks had been overcomed, bill of lading searches were now operational, and both traders and officers could track job assignments on the B’Odogwu Platform.

Apart from these, she said an active help desk is also in place.

Zonal Coordinator Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Charles Orbih, hailed B’Odogwu as a tool that would position Nigeria at the forefront of global customs operations.

He emphasized the system’s role in transitioning to a paperless customs environment, promising faster cargo clearance, predictability, and advanced security features.

“It would position Nigeria at the forefront of Customs Operation worldwide, a new era of efficiency and transparency,” Orbih said.

Apapa Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, in his welcome address, affirmed the command’s readiness for the next phase of customs modernization.

“As the premier port, we are ready for the next level of the customs modernization agenda,” Olomu stated.

He highlighted the extensive training provided to officers and stakeholders, noting the positive testimonials received. “Nigeria Customs under Adeniyi is the fastest developing customs administration in Africa,” he added.