NCS Pre-launches B’Odogwu in Apapa, Tincan Area Command
... Gets CBN Nod for Integration with Commercial Banks
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has announced the pre-launch of B’Odogwu, a new Unified Customs Management System, aimed at enhancing trade efficiency and streamlining operations in Apapa and Tincan Area Command.
This announcement was made by the CG at a High Level Stakeholders Engagement on the Implementation of B’Odogwu in Apapa Area Command in Lagos on 3rd March, 2025.
According to the customs boss, the innovative platform represents a significant step in the agency’s modernization efforts, aligning with global standards for efficient trade facilitation and the service has been working with a new service provider, TMP (Trade Modernisation Project) to develop B’Odogwu, after the expiration of a contract with a previous service provider NICIS II.
Speaking further, he noted that the pilot phase of B’Odogwu was launched at the Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) in October 2024 in Lagos, with plans for a broader rollout nationwide and although they have experienced some glitches during the pilot phase, the service is working to address these challenges.
Adeniyi also disclosed that with its robust and resilient design, B’Odogwu is expected to handle the complexity and volume of international trade, providing a seamless and secure experience for stakeholders.
He highlighted that as at last week, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has given the approval for the complete integration of all commercial banks for Form ‘M’ openings, which means that all commercial banks in Nigeria will now be able to process Form ‘M’ transactions, which are mandatory for importers to complete when importing goods into the country.
” 2025 is indeed a year of history for us, because we have reached a very critical juncture in our operations, and it necessitates that we needed to move forward with the kind of modernization initiative that we have embarked upon. And the timeline that we are in, is very important, because it aligns with our strategic transformation roadmaps, and the commitments that we are giving to all our stakeholders.
“Prior to when we launched the pilot phase at PTML in October 2024, we have been under a service provision for almost a decade by a service provider contracted by government. The service provision was under a contract for a period of time, and that expired. For some reasons, the government in its wisdom, found it necessary to extend that contract. And a number of other extensions were granted, and government felt at the time that that contract needed to be terminated. And a new concession agreement was signed between the federal government of Nigeria and a new service provider, TMP.
“When we launch a project of this magnitude, we are not deceiving ourselves, thinking that this is going to be a walk in the park. When we launched it at PTML, a relatively smaller format, we experienced a number of glitches, and they are not surprising. And as we experienced those glitches, we had a very strong and helpful implementation team that was on ground to address some of these challenges.
“We’ve made significant progress in resolving the integration issue with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which was a major challenge at PTML. As of last Thursday, the CBN has officially endorsed the implementation of our system, and we expect all authorized dealer banks to receive directives to integrate with us. This means that all banks, not just the 11 or 12 that worked with us at PTML, will soon be connected to our system, providing a seamless experience for users.”
Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) of IT and Modernization, Kikelomo Adeola, in her remarks confirmed to stakeholders that the initial challenges faced during the PTML pilot of B’Odogwu have been fully resolved adding that impressively, since its launch at the command, the system has maintained a 100% uptime record, with no downtime experienced whatsoever.
She also disclosed that the challenges faced with authorized dealer banks have been successfully resolved and Bill of lading searches are now fully operational, enabling users to efficiently track and manage shipments and to ensure a seamless user experience, an active help desk has been established to provide timely assistance and support.
“We have successfully resolved the issues that arose during the test run of B’Odogwu at PTML, our pilot command. If one does not know how to use the platform, there would be abuse. That’s why we have also conducted extensive training for agents, terminal operators, and other stakeholders on the effective usage of B’Odogwu. By empowering them with the knowledge and skills required to maximize the platform’s potential, we can ensure a seamless and optimal user experience.”
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Apapa Customs Area Controller in his speech reiterated the command’s readiness to embark on the next phase of customs modernization while highlighting the extensive training provided to officers and stakeholders, which has yielded positive testimonials.
Olomu praised the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of Adewale Adeniyi , describing it as the fastest-developing customs administration in Africa. This endorsement underscores the service’s commitment to modernization and efficiency.
“As the premier port, we are ready for the next level of the customs modernization agenda. We have undergone extensive training and are poised to take on the challenges of modernizing our customs procedures.
“Nigeria Customs under the CG is the fastest developing customs administration in Africa. This is a testament to our commitment to modernization and efficiency, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this effort.” he added.
