B’Odogwu Trade Platform Goes Live at Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, Promising Modernized Customs Operations

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially launched its cutting-edge B’Odogwu trade modernization platform at two of its key port commands: Apapa and Tin Can Island.
Both commands have already successfully processed their inaugural cargo declarations using the new system, signaling a significant leap towards more efficient and reliable cargo handling.

At Apapa Area Command, the rollout culminated in the successful processing and clearance of its first Single Goods Declaration (SGD). Speaking at the milestone event on Friday, May 9, 2025, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, emphasized the platform’s role in addressing long-standing challenges.

“We have created a robust platform that facilitates trade and ensures the swift clearance of cargo. Challenges such as poor network connectivity, delays, and congestion associated with the former system end today,” declared Comptroller Olomu.

Highlighting Apapa’s crucial role in Nigeria’s trade, handling 400 to 500 declarations daily, he stated, “As a premier port, Apapa remains at the forefront of trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and revenue generation.” He also acknowledged the persistent difficulties of network failures and port congestion that had previously hampered operations.

Comptroller Olomu lauded the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership in initiating the platform, aligning Nigeria’s customs operations with global best practices. He further mentioned the extensive training provided to stakeholders and agents to ensure a smooth transition, with sensitization efforts ongoing.

Olarewanju Oyebanjo of Bedowick Nigeria Limited, the first clearing agent to utilize the B’Odogwu platform at Apapa, shared his positive experience: “I feel privileged to be the first agent to use this platform at Apapa. The process is smooth and straightforward.”

Following suit, the Tin Can Island Port Command successfully processed its first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) on the indigenously developed B’Odogwu platform on Monday, May 12, 2025. This achievement underscores the NCS’s commitment to digital transformation and the Federal Government’s push for enhanced ease of doing business.

The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, hailed the development, stating, “This achievement demonstrates our readiness to embrace technology that streamlines cargo clearance procedures, reduces dwell time, and improves service delivery. The B’Odogwu platform has shown great promise, and we are proud to be pioneers in its implementation.”

Comptroller Onyeka further announced a significant improvement in network infrastructure: “The Command has achieved 100% network infrastructure coverage across all terminals and the Command’s headquarters. He emphasized that the problem of network failure is now a thing of the past, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient processing of cargo and trade documentation.”
He explained that the B’Odogwu platform is designed for seamless integration with existing Customs systems, offering a user-friendly interface for all stakeholders. “It enhances cargo tracking, document processing, and compliance management in real-time, reducing manual bottlenecks and opportunities for delays,” he added.

Comptroller Onyeka also highlighted the extensive training sessions and stakeholder engagements conducted prior to the launch, involving shipping lines, customs licensed agents, terminal operators, and customs officers. These initiatives aimed to ensure the seamless adoption of the new platform, covering system navigation, document processing, cargo tracking, and compliance protocols.

Industry stakeholders, including SteveJosh Logistics International Limited, whose declaration was the first to be captured at Tin Can Island, welcomed the innovation. They expressed optimism that the B’Odogwu platform would lower transaction costs and enhance Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.

The Tin Can Island Port Command reaffirmed its dedication to adopting technological advancements that support Nigeria’s economic growth and international trade objectives.