…As 25 banks join NCS’ B’Odogwu platform
By Steve Agbota
The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has refuted claims that four vessels are stranded at the port due to technical issues with the newly implemented B’Odogwu platform, a unified customs management system.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Wednesday, the Controller of the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan, disclosed that 25 banks will soon be integrated with the B’Odogwu platform to facilitate seamless transactions.
However, Comptroller Daniyan highlighted that the B’Odogwu platform has already yielded significant revenue gains for the command since its recent launch by Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi.
“The allegation that the system was not working and vessels were stranded were not true. Vessels are coming to discharge and go. Even the vessel turnaround time has improved in PTML since the B’Odogwu was launched. The first person to transact on the system paid over N2.55 billion, saying the system, being an indigenous one, will have challenges but we are improving and working on it every day.”
“Our command piloted the system, which means we are still test running it and we are working on to be perfect. As we are improving on it, we will move it to Tin Can Island, Apapa Ports and every other command. Those criticising the system are yet to onboard B’Odogwu. It is the system that was designed by Nigerians and we must make it work,” he added.
According to him, the advent of B’Odogwu has been a game-changer for the Nigeria Customs Service, enabling the diversification of transactions and shipments from various global regions.
“Initially, this terminal primarily served European and American markets. However, significant efforts were made to diversify its operations, and these efforts have been successful. Coincidentally, as the B’Odogwu platform was being implemented, we began to witness a surge in shipments from China and the East.
“This diversification has led to a substantial increase in revenue for the Nigeria Customs Service. In fact, we’ve never been in a better financial position. For instance, during the first week of November, we generated over N44 billion. These figures speak for themselves,” he said.
However, he noted that a significant number of stakeholders, including agents and banks, have already integrated with the system.
“But I can say now, the last one hour ago I spoke with my DCG. We are sure that by tomorrow, by God’s grace, we are going to have about 25 banks on board this B’Odogwu project. Because prior to now, we have some banks like Access sBank, GTB, and some other banks that have their own platform. They are not connected with InterSwitch.
“They’ve been on board. And that is what most of our agents have been using to make their declarations and clear their consignment. But those on InterSwitch, because InterSwitch is a system of payment that we have about 17 banks that are hooked on to them.
They have to come on board as a whole body. And that is what Nigeria Custom PTML Command have been interfacing with them. Some of my implementation team have been interfacing with those people,” he added.