The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Command, Onne has officially launched the indigenous Unified Customs Management System known as B’Odogwu.
This development is contained in a statement signed by the Command Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II, Paul Gimbal.
According to the statement, the platform was unveiled during the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) stakeholders’ meeting in Onne, Rivers State which marks a crucial step in the NCS’s commitment to improving trade facilitation and strengthening regulatory compliance within the oil and gas free trade zones.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including shipping companies, terminal operators, clearing agents, officers of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, and representatives from the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigerian Police.
In her opening remarks, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the FTZ Command, Comptroller Nyong highlighted critical areas of concern, including the need for the timely perfection of urgent release consignments within the 14-day grace period, and prompt responses to Demand Notices (DNs). She stressed that compliance with these procedures is crucial for maintaining the integrity of customs processes and avoiding operational delays.
“Permit me to reiterate that strict adherence to customs procedures such as meeting the 14-day deadline for urgent release consignments and promptly responding to Demand Notices is essential for maintaining process integrity and ensuring smooth, legitimate trade,” she said.
Addressing technological challenges faced by stakeholders, particularly poor internet connectivity within the zone, she assured participants that the new B’Odogwu platform is designed to address such bottlenecks. The digital system, she explained, will enhance automation, improve data management, and streamline cargo processing.
Comptroller Nyong emphasised the importance of strict compliance with customs regulations to ensure smooth and efficient trade operations within the Free Trade Zone.
Comptroller Nyong reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to building a transparent and collaborative environment. She called on all stakeholders to support the reforms and view compliance as a shared responsibility for the long-term success of the FTZ.
A demonstration of the platform was conducted by Assistant Comptroller Usman Abba and Assistant Superintendent Muhammed Aji. They explained that B’Odogwu features robust cybersecurity measures, ensures data continuity, and supports real-time access to trade information.
Some stakeholders raised concerns regarding data security and the preservation of historical trade records. In response, the Customs team reassured participants that the system includes secure data backup protocols and a reliable digital archive.
Participants commended the leadership of Comptroller Nyong and expressed their readiness to cooperate with the Nigeria Customs Service to advance efficiency, accountability, and trust in trade operations.
