As the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) begins national rollout of its indigenous trade platform, B’Odogwu, the Service says it targets to cover 80% of its operations using the platform by further integrating Form ‘M’ and the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).
The B’ Odogwu trade platform of the NCS was developed in Nigeria and first adopted at the Port Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Port in Apapa, Lagos, as a pilot implementation. Two major trade documentations, the Form ‘M’ and the PAAR were not included in the pilot phase at PTML, yet the B’Odogwu trade tool helped the port to achieve a historic revenue of over N120 billion in three months.
On Monday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi said it was time to begin to use the B’Odogwu platform at all Customs formations having shown to be a veritable trade well cultured for international trade in Nigeria. The Customs boss said the NCS was set to expand its modernisation initiative with the nationwide rollout of the B’Odogwu platform following its pilot implementation at the PTML Area Command.
Adeniyi, during the pre-launch high-level stakeholders’ engagement at Apapa Area Command on Monday, reaffirmed the service’s commitment to a seamless transition despite initial challenges.
“We are working in collaboration with the banks towards integrating PAAR and Form ‘M’, which were not included in the PTML pilot. Once we capture that, we can conveniently say that we have captured almost 70-80% of our operations,” Adeniyi said.
He noted that the launch at PTML command experienced a number of hitches, but the implementation team was on hand to address some of them.
The Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, taking the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi through the B’Odogwu trade platform at Apapa Port, on Monday.
He said: “With your cooperation, support, and understanding, we will address all those challenges together. Our leadership team have established implementation benchmarks with clearly defined success criteria and contingency plan.
“There is no looking backwards. We are focused on rolling out this platform. We have learned valuable lessons from PTML, and now, we are in the main place, and we want to ensure that the implementation will be seamless moving forward.”
The CGC expressed optimism, citing the success recorded in PTML, where over 16,000 declarations were processed, generating revenue in excess of N120 billion within three months. He assured stakeholders that the system is robust and designed to improve efficiency and revenue generation.
The Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, highlighted the platform’s stability, stating, “Since its introduction, B’Odogwu has recorded zero downtime.”
She also stressed the importance of training to prevent system abuse, affirming that continuous training sessions are planned for stakeholders.
The Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, emphasised collective responsibility in making the platform successful. He stated that the initiative’s success depends on how well it is embraced.
Similarly, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, and Comptroller Babatunde Olomu assured that officers and stakeholders are well prepared.
“As the premier port, we are ready for the next phase of customs modernisation. Extensive training has been conducted, and the testimonials from participants are positive”, he noted.
Stakeholders at the pre-launch acknowledged the benefits of the new system.
Chairman of the National Council for Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Oladimeji Lawal, commended the service for developing an indigenous platform.
“B’Odogwu is faster when you want to take delivery; faster and different from NICIS; it’s our Indigenous platform, which is going to be favourable for us if customs can work as they started,” he remarked.
