The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the development of a new indigenous modernization software, ‘B’Odogwu,’ aimed at improving cargo clearance procedures at the nation’s ports. This initiative comes after repeated failures of foreign software systems that hindered seamless operations and resulted in significant revenue losses for the country.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, revealed this development while addressing journalists at the Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML) on Wednesday at Tincan Island, Lagos, during an on-the-spot assessment of the project.
According to him, the creation of the new software followed several experiences of glitches and disruptions with foreign service providers, which ultimately necessitated a shift towards a homegrown solution.
Importers and agents have long complained about server downtimes that delay the clearing process and documentation at the nation’s seaports, often leading to costly demurrage. Addressing these concerns, Adeniyi emphasized that the repeated failures of foreign technology providers had prompted the need for an in-house solution. “It is disappointing when organizations fail to leverage their extended presence in Nigeria to build credible reputations that could benefit them both locally and internationally. Foreign systems have failed Nigeria, as the number of times they have been down is greater than the times they have been operational,” he lamented.
He noted that previous foreign service providers, despite multiple contract extensions, failed to meet their obligations, ultimately leaving the NCS without a reliable system. This led to the expiration of the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) in December 2022 without a viable handover or continuity plan. As a result, the NCS decided to prioritize the development of its indigenous platform, moving away from reliance on foreign systems.
The new ‘B’Odogwu’ software is designed to improve the Customs’ ability to streamline end-to-end business processes, offering stakeholders customized integration capabilities that support more efficient decision-making and enhance the ease of doing business. Adeniyi explained that the platform complements ongoing efforts to integrate advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and mixed reality, into customs operations.
Adeniyi also highlighted upgrades at PTML, where network infrastructure has been enhanced to meet modern demands. He pointed out that the nation is facing increasingly complex trade declarations and is adjusting to the evolving characteristics of international trade. Additionally, the NCS is launching a new verification platform for agents, which aims to automate the registration process for licenses and permits, making the process more efficient.
Despite the anticipated challenges during the rollout of the new system, Adeniyi assured stakeholders that the NCS is prepared to address any issues that may arise. He confirmed that a technical support team would be available to resolve potential difficulties, ensuring a smooth transition to the new system and maintaining seamless operations at the ports.
