As the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) rolls out its indigenous digital platform “B’Odogwu” for cargo clearance processes, stakeholders have expressed optimism about its potential to enhance trade facilitation and streamline cargo clearance processes. This is even as they called for caution, emphasizing the need for strong institutional commitment to address systemic challenges, particularly corruption.
Recall that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had initiated the deployment of its indigenous digital platform, B’Odogwu, at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, following a successful pilot phase at the Port and Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Command in 2024. This strategic move aims to enhance trade facilitation, streamline cargo clearance processes, and boost revenue collection across Nigeria’s busiest ports.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, emphasized that B’Odogwu represents a significant upgrade from the previous Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS). Developed in-house by NCS ICT officers, this homegrown solution addresses inefficiencies in trade clearance and aligns Nigeria’s customs operations with international best practices.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had also endorsed the B’Odogwu platform, directing all authorized dealer banks to integrate with the system to facilitate seamless Form ‘M’ openings and duty payments. This integration is expected to enhance the efficiency of customs transactions, ensuring smoother trade documentation and financial processes.
During the pre-launch event at the Apapa Command, Comptroller-General Adeniyi acknowledged the challenges faced during the pilot phase at PTML but reassured stakeholders of the NCS’s commitment to resolving these issues. He drew parallels to the introduction of the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) in 2013, noting that while system changes often come with initial difficulties, the dedication of customs officials and industry players would ensure successful implementation.
Industry stakeholders who spoke with Shipping Position Daily last week noted that while B’Odogwu has the potential to eliminate human interference and enhance transparency, the success of the platform will depend on how well the NCS enforces compliance, ensures strict monitoring, and holds erring officials accountable.
Stakeholders called for sustained engagement between Customs and the trading community to address concerns and ensure a smooth transition to the new platform. They also emphasized that with the right policies and enforcement mechanisms, B’Odogwu can revolutionize Nigeria’s customs operations and boost investor confidence in the country’s port system.
Speaking with our correspondent last week, a Chieftain and former Western Zone Coordinator of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Sir John Oforbike acknowledged the potential of B’Odogwu to enhance seamless trade facilitation added that the local content makes it unique from other inventions.
Sir Oforbike raised a critical concern regarding the determination and political will of the Nigeria Customs Service to tackle corruption, which he described as the “Big Monster”. He however stressed that these factors should be put into consideration if the aims and objectives of the project will be sustained.
In his words: “B’Odogwu is indigenous software designed to make our work seamless. However, can Customs have the determination and political will to fight the BIG MONSTER called corruption? This is the subject matter and should be discussed and put into consideration if the aims and objectives of this project should be sustained,” Oforbike stated.
Also speaking, the National Secretary of Association of Registered Freight Forwarders (AREFFN), Mr. Frank Obiekezie noted that most freight forwarders still have little or no knowledge of B’Odogwu’ processes and overall impact. Hence he called for constant robust engagement with stakeholders.
However, Obiekezie pointed out that a key factor in assessing the success of B’Odogwu is the performance of the server noting that there has been no significant improvement in server performance at the ports. He however called on the management of NCS to fine-tune its server performance and network connectivity for seamless operations.
“I must tell you that many agents don’t know much about this B Odogwu, talk less of its success or otherwise. There has been no improvement in server performance; rather, it is worsening. If we want to assess this B Odogwu, the most important consideration in the ease of doing business at the port, I believe the initiative has a long way to go” Obiekezie noted.
On his part, the National Vice President of National Association of Freight Forwarders and Consolidators (NAFFAC), Anthony Onyike acknowledged that the software is an innovation but urged caution, stating, “It’s new, an innovation; let’s see the extent they can go with it before we criticize or praise.”
Rev. Alex Nwokedi of AREFFN believes that the concept can work seamlessly but however stressed the need to eliminate bottlenecks within customs processes. He pointed out that some customs officers exploit the system for personal gain, undermining efficiency.
“To be frank, that concept will work if the management of Customs will remove bottlenecks through its officers. Some officers hijack some of the customs processes of customs for their selfish purposes” he alleged.
