For Officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Services, the past one year has been very eventful, with issues associated with the epileptic server breakdowns last year in Lagos ports leading to delays in clearance of goods, the Service had to quickly consider introducing a new technology that will provide an enduring efficient service. The constant server breakdown was becoming worrisome to the stakeholders; Importers and customs agents complained of suffering a lot of financial losses due to disruptions in operations.
Apparently concerned about the complains, the Customs management team rose to action. This was what led to the introduction of the B’Odogwu project. The Service describes the technology as a locally developed unified management system which main objective is to free customs agents and their importers from constant server breakdown. It was aimed at improving on trade facilitation and ensuring efficiency. As Customs explained, it is to “replace the older Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) with a more advanced, indigenous solution”. The technology is designed to provide a single platform for stakeholders, including shippers, terminal operators and traders, to manage their information and facilitate trade. It was developed in-house by ICT Section officers of the Customs.
Why We Introduced B’Odogwu, by Wale Adeniyi
Specifically, B’ Odogwu was first launched in Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited PTML) Command in October last year. The Command was chosen to serve as pilot stage. The Comptroller General of the Service had explained that the deployment of the technology aligned with the strategic objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration to make customs more effective and efficient for the benefit of Nigerians.
“ The support for the actualization of this has been midwifed by the Honorable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Chairman of the Nigeria Customs Board in the implementation of several initiatives, including the roll-out of the pilot scheme of B-Odogwu that epitomizes our drive to adapt and adopt cutting edge technology to enhance our processes and our procedures”, Adeniyi explained.
On the B’ Odogwu structure, the CGC said, “It is worth noting that this initiative is fully supported by the legal framework provided with the Nigeria Custom Service Act 2023 and specifically in Section 28 and 29 of the Act which empowers us to develop, maintain and employ electronic systems, while ensuring transparency and stakeholders’ consultations. B Odogwu will serve as the cornerstone platform supporting this technological evolution mandated by the law. Our choice of this terminal for this pilot implementation is deliberate and strategic. This is not a random selection or an experimental trial. Rather, it is a calculated decision based on the terminal’s proven track record as a key vehicle transshipment hub connecting Europe and Africa. PTML has consistently demonstrated operational excellence and maintained robust infrastructure that supports seamless customs operation.
“It is disappointing when organizations failed to leverage their extended presence in Nigeria to build credible reputations that could benefit them, both locally and internationally. And I’m being very, very careful in the selection of my words that the end of our contractual obligations of Webb Fontaine with Nigerian Customs Service has not been as expected. We are not happy with the way it has gone, but we don’t have a choice, we have decided to move on with our life”
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On further explanation the choice of PTML for the pilot stage, Adeniyi said, “there are other factors that support our roll out and influenced the decision of this terminal. The first is the exemplary history of smooth interactions between customs and stakeholders in this terminal. The second one speaks to the availability of modern infrastructure provided by the terminal operator. Thirdly, the substantial volume of transactions processed through this facility and finally; PTML’s successful track record as a model port for previous ground breaking NCS initiatives. I want to address an important point up front. Yes, we do anticipate some technical challenges during this roll out phase. This is normal with any new system implementation, and it should not cause us any alarm. We have positioned a dedicated team of technical experts to provide immediate support and ensure a smooth transition as much as possible. This team will be available round the clock to address any issue that may arise”.
Our Success Story with B’Odogwu in PTML, by Customs Comptroller.
The PTML Command of the Customs Service has an interesting story about B’Odogwu. The technology has since been introduced in other ports, including Apapa and Tin Can Island. The first thing is that importers and their customs agents no longer complain about delays earlier experienced by the stakeholders. It does not appear that there has been any hitch as earlier envisaged, though it is too early to be sure. If there is any delay, it could be for other reasons. This has improved the business relationship between the Customs and other stakeholders.
The new technology has also contributed immensely to the rise in revenue generation for all the customs commands in Lagos who all have been given targets by the headquarters. The Controller of PTML Customs Command, Compt Tenny Mankini Daniyan recently declared a revenue generation of ₦189,516,818,316.92k from November 2024 to mid April this year. This was done deploying B’Odogwu
At a first quarter briefing with senior officers and sectional heads, Daniyan described the technology platform a “top notch technology defying it’s initial teething challenges to become a part of the service success in revenue collection and trade facilitation”.
He disclosed that the Command made history on April 14, 2025 “when it collected ₦5,612,887,374.99 which stands out as the highest daily collection ever made in its over two decades history”.
The Controller emphasized that the success recorded by the Command was due to the “visionary and focused leadership of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR”. He added, “ the 2025 first quarter collection indicates the sustained positive trajectory championed by the management of the service.
“From January to March 2025, the command collected ₦90,204,703,451.72 which is 38.8% higher than the ₦66,920,181,586.30 collected same period of 2024”.
The success of the B’Odogwu application in PTML being the pilot phase area, is responsible for the CGC’s approval of it’s simultaneous spread and full deployment across various commands, he said.
He further told newsmen, “On trade facilitation, the command holds the number one record of fastest cargo clearance time of two hours for compliant RoRo consignments and we are committed to improving on this by making the time shorter
”In addition to Europe vessels coming to PTML, the port is now receiving ships from China to expand the frontiers of trade and prospect of higher revenue from increased economic activities
“Working in line with Time Release Study (TRS) for faster cargo clearance, we are urging all our port users to make sincere declaration and stay compliant as those are the bedrock to enjoy more benefits in trade. Anyone who fails to make sincere declaration forfeits the benefits of faster clearance “.
Daniyan equally disclosed that the Command has been able to deal with smuggling in terms as “concealment, under declaration , under valuation and outright false declaration”, adding that officers have been trained to deal with all forms of such trade infractions. He warned that those who go against all these will have their goods seized and culprits arrested. The Controller expressed optimism for higher volume of trade, either vehicles imports or other goods, such as pharmaceutical products as recently approved by the management of the service.
Impact of Innovations in Improving Ports Efficiency
At a stakeholders industry programme with the theme “Key Developments In The Nigerian Maritime and Logistics Sector With Emphasis on Impact of Innovations In the Nigerian Customs Service and Its Impact on Improving Ports Efficiency”, Daniyan who represented the Comptroller General, Adeniyi , said there has been tremendous improvement on ports efficiency as a result of modernization in the system.
At the event, he gave insight into the different innovations introduced by the Service to “modernize its operations, facilitate trade and improve revenue collection”.
He identified the Customs Service Modernization Project which the Federal Government through the Customs signed a 20-year Concession Agreement with Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited. The project, he said, will automate all business processes of the NCS and provide best in class technology for the duration of the Concession. He described the NCS Modernisation Project as an integration of applications, platforms and hardware involving an all-in-one nationwide import & export management system.
Benefits of B’ Odogwu
The Controller was full of commendation to the Comptroller General, Adeniyi, for introducing Unified Customs Management System UCMS (B’Odogwu). He explained that this was because of the numerous benefits which B’ Odogwu offers.
Describing B’Odogwu as a digital platform, he said that it is designed to “streamline and harmonize customs operations, enhance efficiency, optimize revenue generation and trade facilitation while reduce human interaction”. The Controller added, “the UCMS is expected to significantly reduce cargo clearance time and improve revenue collection” He identified other key features of the technology as digital transformation, stating that “ B’Odogwu aims to fully digitize and automate customs processes, reducing reliance on manual procedures and paperwork”. He described B’ Odogwu as wonderful in many areas, including trade facilitation, revenue enhancement, stakeholders integration, real time monitoring, standard procedures, among others. The controller further explained, “the platform is designed to expedite cargo clearance, reduce bottlenecks, and promote seamless trade transactions. By blocking revenue leakages and optimizing collection, B’ Odogwu is expected to significantly increase revenue generation for the government. The system enhances transparency in customs operations, and promoting accountability. B’Odogwu integrates various stakeholders in the trade value chain, including importers, exporters, clearing agents, terminal operators, shipping lines, and authorized dealer banks; fostering seamless collaboration. The platform provides real-time cargo tracking, enabling stakeholders to monitor the progress of their transactions. B’Odogwu standardizes operational workflows and automates declaration submissions, ensuring consistency and efficiency. Developed in Nigeria by the hardworking officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, B’Odogwu is tailored to address the specific needs and challenges of the Nigerian trade environment while optimizing efficiency across the entire value chain”. Noting that the technology was launched by the Comptroller General of the Service, Adeniyi, in October 2024, he identified other far-reaching benefits and functionalities as, “Electronic cargo tracking •Artificial Intelligence to aid classification of commodities •Electronic and self-generation of Form M and Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) •Submission of electronic manifest •Integration with other stakeholders (terminal operators, shipping lines, bonded warehouse operators) •Electronic lodgment of import and export documents •Self-assessment of declarations by declarant.
Benefits • Reduced cargo clearance time • Increased revenue collection • Improved transparency and accountability”. Daniyan asserts the introduction of the B’Odogwu platform as blessing to the Customs and the ports community. According to the Controller, “it represents a major milestone in the modernization of Nigeria’s customs administration by leveraging technology to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and promote transparency. The technology has the potential to transform trade facilitation, boost revenue collection, and position Nigeria as a leader in digital customs operations in Africa”.
Customs and ECOWAS Sub-Regional Trade
Nigeria Customs Service maintains a good bilateral relationship with other Customs organisations in the ECOWAS sub-region in areas of trade. In a paper titled “Regional Integration: The Gateway to Peace and Security, Trade, and Investment in the ECOWAS Sub-Region”, presented at an international event, the Service identified strategies for removing obstacles to intra-ECOWAS trade, investment and food security. The PTML Customs Controller, Daniyan who represented the CGC Adeniyi at the event said that to “unlock the full potential of intra-ECOWAS trade, investment and enhance food security requires targeted strategies to address existing obstacles”
Daniyan pointed out among others, harmonization and simplification of trade procedures, elimination of non-tariff barriers, investment in infrastructure and promoting industrialization.
According to him, “ECOWAS should accelerate the harmonization and simplification of customs procedures, documentation requirements, and product standards across member states. This includes the full implementation of digital customs systems and the elimination of unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
“Concerted efforts are needed to identify and eliminate NTBs, such as roadblocks, informal charges, and discriminatory regulations. Establishing a regional mechanism for monitoring and addressing NTBs is crucial.
“Significant investments are required in transportation infrastructure (roads, railways, ports), energy infrastructure, and information and communication technology (ICT) to improve connectivity and reduce the cost of trade. Public-private partnerships can play a vital role in financing these projects.
“ECOWAS should implement policies that promote industrialization, value addition, and economic diversification within the sub-region. This includes supporting local businesses, attracting foreign direct investment in key sectors, and fostering regional value chains.
“Implementing the ECOWAS Regional Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP) effectively is crucial for enhancing food security. This includes promoting sustainable agricultural practices, investing in agricultural infrastructure, facilitating regional trade in agricultural products, and building resilience to climate change”.
On charting a course towards a resilient and prosperous ECOWAS, Daniyan argued that regional integration remains the most viable pathway to achieving lasting peace, security, and sustainable development in the ECOWAS sub-region.
Noting that while the recent political and security challenges, particularly the departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, represent significant setbacks, he opined that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for renewed commitment and strategic action.
He added, “realizing the full potential of ECOWAS requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes citizen engagement, strengthens regional institutions, addresses the root causes of instability, removes obstacles to trade and investment, and fosters greater economic resilience. The opportunities presented by deeper integration, especially in conjunction with the AfCFTA, are immense. By embracing coordinated border management, unlocking trade opportunities through OSBPs, and actively showcasing the contributions of its institutions, ECOWAS can rebuild trust, foster a sense of shared destiny among its citizens, and navigate the current challenges”.
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