The newly introduced Customs indigenous information technology platform popularly called B’Odogwu has been described as a revolutionary solution to challenges facing Nigeria’s port operations.
Speaking during a media parley with a cross section of maritime media last Friday, the Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, noted that B’Odogwu was designed and implemented solely by Nigerian ICT professionals to address the shortcomings of the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS).
Comptroller Onyeka said enthusiastically that B’Odogwu is NCS’ pride, adding that it is a Customs-created solution meant to drive trade consultations and ensure seamless clearance processes.
According to him, the platform is enabling Customs to address issues before they even arise. Acknowledging that it is not perfect, he disclosed however, that over 90% of the problems inherited from the old platform has been solved.
He emphasized that B’Odogwu aims to streamline cargo clearance procedures and reduce the time it takes to release containers as well as ensuring a greater transparency, real-time monitoring, and enhanced accountability.
The controller stressed that on his assuming duty as the command’s controller over six months ago, he discovered several bottlenecks militating against trade facilitation such as multiple alerts and post-clearance stoppages by the compliance team, which he is proud to announce to have become history in the command.
He praised the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his innovation, vision, and stakeholder-centered approach, which have transformed the Service in terms of revenue generation, anti-smuggling, trade facilitation, and public engagement.
He further commended the CGC for his bold leadership, his focus on home-grown solutions like B’Odogwu which is positioning Customs as a truly modern and responsive organization.
Comptroller Onyeka celebrated the maritime media for its reportage, thought-provoking headlines, and consistent engagements which have helped to shape Customs operations. He confessed that many of the reforms the Service implemented came from constructive criticism from the media.
The Project Manager of B’Odogwu in the command, Assistant Comptroller Abass Oyindamola, hinted that the platform was built to provide real-time responses to trade-related problems, noting that it is reducing delays and cutting down costs due to demurrage.
Oyindamola maintained that B’Odogwu has changed the narrative that every port delay is caused by Customs.
“B’Odogwu enables faster processing, greater transparency, and full accountability. Our ICT unit is fully in charge, and our officers have embraced this digital transformation,” he stated with confidence.
Speaking for the media, the Publisher of Shipping World, Elder Asu Beks, lauded Comptroller Onyeka for his innovative approach and commitment to inclusiveness, describing him as a “Digital CAC.’