Customs rakes in N120bn from B’Odogwu, expands to Apapa, TICP

By Steve Agbota

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a revenue boost, generating N120 billion from the B’Odogwu initiative. Buoyed by its success, the service is now expanding the programme to Apapa and Tincan Island Port (TICP) to further enhance trade facilitation, revenue generation, and operational efficiency at Nigeria’s busiest ports.

The NCS said the money from B’Odogwu, an indigenous trade platform, through 16,000 entries made in the pilot phase and the money was generated within the three months the platform was implemented at PTML Command.

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, during the pre-launch high-level stakeholders’ engagement at Apapa Area Command, said that the deployment is a pre-launch phase rather than full implementation, given the scale of the Apapa Command.

According to him, the new system marks a break from the past, replacing the outdated NICIS system with a more robust and indigenous solution.

However, he reaffirmed the service’s commitment to a seamless transition despite initial challenges, adding that the launch at PTML command experienced several hitches, but the implementation team was on hand to address some of them.

“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,” he said.

Speaking on the next rollout phase, the CGC underscored the service’s determination to move forward without setbacks.

“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,” he said.

He said that the service, in collaboration with the banks, is working 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 per cent of our operations”, he added.

He assured stakeholders that the system is robust and designed to improve efficiency and revenue generation.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, highlighted the platform’s stability, saying that 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.

Conversely, 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.