The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated over N230 billion in revenue through its new digital platform, B’Odogwu, since launching it in October 2024. The Customs Service described the system as a locally developed technology that is transforming the way they operate.
During a visit from the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria, the Area Controller of the Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command, Tenny Daniyan, explained that the new system has delivered clear results. “B’Odogwu is working, and it’s working for us. We’ve recorded over N230 billion already. If it’s not working for you, then you’re probably not using it right,” he said.
What B’Odogwu Does for Nigeria Customs
B’Odogwu stands for Unified Customs Management System (UCMS). The NCS introduced it to improve customs processes, boost revenue collection, and make trade smoother. Designed in Nigeria, this platform helps fix problems seen in the older system known as NICIS.
According to Daniyan, the platform uses artificial intelligence to classify goods correctly and offers features that NICIS lacked. Although the system faced some challenges at first, he confirmed that more than 90% of the issues have been resolved.
Daniyan praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for having the courage to launch the project. He described the initiative as a symbol of Nigerian pride and a way to save the government billions of naira that would have otherwise gone abroad through the old system.
He also highlighted the platform’s speed. “If you’re a compliant trader, you can clear your goods in just one hour. But that depends on how honestly you declare them,” he added. He encouraged importers and clearing agents to follow rules and submit accurate information for fast and smooth cargo processing.
B’Odogwu’s Launch and National Impact
Launched officially on October 23, 2024, at PTML Customs Command in Lagos, B’Odogwu is part of Nigeria’s bigger plan to reform customs operations. It is a product of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between NCS and Trade Modernisation Project Limited, with federal approval in April 2023.
The name B’Odogwu, which means “greatness” in Igbo, shows Nigeria’s ambition to lead in modern customs systems. Unlike older tools, B’Odogwu includes advanced features like electronic cargo tracking, automated risk checks, and non-intrusive scanners, all aimed at making trade more secure and efficient.
By replacing the outdated NICIS II, B’Odogwu puts Nigeria in a stronger position among African nations when it comes to trade innovation. It simplifies tasks such as Form M and the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), helping reduce delays and align customs activities with global standards.
In support of the platform, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso stepped in to link B’Odogwu with the country’s financial system. He praised the Customs Service for its forward-thinking approach and promised the CBN’s full support. “Our job is to make sure the banking sector works smoothly with this system,” he said.
Although some banks resisted at first, the CBN has now instructed all financial institutions to adopt B’Odogwu. Governor Cardoso reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to helping the platform succeed and making trade payments faster and easier.
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