Nigeria Customs says it is deploying its new B’Odogwu digital platform nationwide after a successful pilot run at the Port Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Area Command in Lagos.
In a pre-launch engagement with high-level stakeholders at the Apapa Area Command on Monday, Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, confirmed the service’s resolve to move forward despite early challenges at PTML.
“With your cooperation, support, and understanding, we will address all those challenges together,” Adeniyi says. “Our leadership team have established implementation benchmarks with clearly defined success criteria and contingency plan.”
During the pilot phase at PTML, more than 16,000 declarations were processed and revenue exceeding ₦120 billion was collected over three months, according to the Comptroller-General.
According to the Customs chief, “there is no looking backwards. We are focused on rolling out this platform. We have learned valuable lessons from PTML, and now, we are in the main place, and we want to ensure that the implementation will be seamless moving forward.”
The B’Odogwu platform, developed by the Nigeria Customs Service in collaboration with the Trade Modernisation Project, replaces the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) and is intended to improve the processing of customs declarations and revenue collection, the Customs Service says.
During the pilot phase at PTML, more than 16,000 declarations were processed and revenue exceeding ₦120 billion was collected over three months, according to the Comptroller-General.
In the next phase of the project, Adeniyi says that Nigeria Customs will integrate two important elements into the platform: PAAR and Form ‘M’. PAAR, or the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, is used to assess shipments before they reach the port. This electronic report details the goods being imported, their value, and other relevant information, enabling customs officials to identify risks and plan for inspections. Form ‘M’ is a mandatory document required by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the importation of goods that is “used to monitor and control the importation of goods and ensure that foreign exchange is properly utilised.”
Adeniyi says that incorporating these elements is expected to cover almost 70-80% of customs operations.
“Since its introduction, B’Odogwu has recorded zero downtime,” Kikelomo Adeola, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT and Modernisation adds. She notes that further training sessions are planned for Customs officers and licensed agents to ensure proper use of the system.
Oladimeji Lawal, Chairman of the National Council for Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, says that “B’Odogwu is faster when you want to take delivery; faster and different from NICIS; it’s our indigenous platform, which is going to be favourable for us if Customs can work as they started.”
Importers in Nigeria are required to provide specific documentation to clear goods. The necessary import documents include a bill of lading, commercial invoice, exit note, duly completed Form ‘M’ entry declaration, packing list, single goods declaration, and a product certificate. These documents enable customs officials to verify and clear shipments.
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