February 13, 2025

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Customs targets 24-hour cargo clearance with B’Odogwu, plans Single Window integration

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it is aiming to achieve cargo clearance in less than 24 hours with it’s new Unified Customs Management System, known as B’ Odogwu.

Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of ICT Modernization, Kikelomo Adeola who disclosed this during a sensitization program on the implementation of the B’Odogwu with seaports and bonded terminal operators at Apapa command in Lagos on Monday also revealed than the NCS plans to integrate the B,Odogwu platform with the National Single Window project to enhance efficiency and transparency.

She said so far 20 banks have been integrated into the B’Odogwu platform with more to be added so as to improve the payment process for import duties.

The B’ Odogwu system is part of the Customs Modernization project. Approved in May 2022 and ratified by the Federal Executive Council in April 2023, the initiative is a 20-year concession public-private partnership between Nigeria Customs Service and Trade Modernization Projects Unit.

While responding to concerns raised by the stakeholders on possible technical glitches and down time as was with the previous NICIS 11 platform, Adeola explained that with the full implementation of the B’Odogwu system, downtime issues will be a thing of the past.

She disclosed that the NCS is also preparing for the deployment of state-of-the-art scanners to various ports by 2025.

This, she said, will enhance cargo inspection processes, improved risk management, and reduced clearance system.

“What we’re looking at is less than 24 hours clearance process not 48,” she said.

While highlighting the benefits of the B’ Odogwu system, Adeola explained that its deployment is part of the NCS reforms efforts designed to enhance efficiency, fully automate customs processes as well as enhance Nigeria’s position in global trade, through integration of technology and streamlined process

She said, “The NCS modernization project represents a bold and transformational undertaking designed to address the long-standing inefficiencies, improve operational transparency, and enhance Nigeria’s position in global trade, through integration of pertinent technology and streamline process.

“As part of this initiative, significant strides have been made with efforts fully aligned to meet the dynamics of Nigeria’s trade ecosystem. Conceived to fully automate custom processes and administrative functions, the NCS modernization project offers an end-to-end ICT solution that aligns with global work practices.

“The core objectives include addressing challenges such as smuggling, duty evasion, manual administrative processes, and inadequate monitoring systems.”

She noted that one of the most notable milestones achieved with the deployment of the B’Odogwu system was at the Port and Terminal multiservice Limited (PTML) in October 2024 with the first single-goods declaration, SGD, and assessment successfully generated, and payment made on November 1, 2024.

According to her, there hasn’t
been any incident of downtime since the launch of the project in PTML, indicating the project’s reliability.

DCG Adeola also acknowledged the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Ports Authority, particularly in granting the right of way for infrastructure deployment.

“This collaboration has facilitated the laying of critical infrastructure, in major parts, including Apapa and Tincan to support the project’s objectives.

“NPA’s unwavering commitment has been instrumental in creating a resilient system capable of handling Nigeria’s high volume of trade efficiency, ” she said.

She said the modernization project has introduced robust training programs to ensure that all stakeholders are equipped to effectively use the system before it’s launch in Apapa and Tincan.

Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of Trade Modernization Project Limited, Dr. Jummai Zainab Umar- Ajibola attributed the success of the modernization initiative to strong partnership and coordination between NCS and the TMP.

“The coordination has been so flawless that through visioning, conceptualization, design, and implementation, work has been stabilized.

“And the Nigeria Customs Service Management, under the leadership of the CG, deemed it fit to name it B’odogwu so that it would be something that is owned by us, ” she said.

She said with the NCS having full ownership of the application and the national infrastructure being developed, safety and security of the system will be guaranteed with 24/7 uptime.

She added, “B’Odogwu is not just going to stay with us. It’s something that is going to take over Africa and the world.”

 

 

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