The effort is anticipated to bring about a modernisation of customs processes
A prelaunch of the ‘B’Odogwu’ trade facilitation tool has been initiated by the Nigeria Customs Service in the Apapa and Tincan Island commands in order to increase trade.
This statement was made by Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of Customs, to journalists on Monday in Apapa, Lagos, during a stakeholder engagement.
He noted that stakeholders support the platform to work properly.
As a replacement for the Nigerian Integrated Customs Information System II, the National Customs Service (NCS) created B’Odogwu, an indigenous trade facilitation platform.
The effort is anticipated to bring about a modernisation of customs processes, an improvement in the efficiency of trade documentation, and an additional improvement in revenue collection.
Following the successful completion of the pilot phase of the project at the Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited Command earlier this year, Adeniyi indicated that the pre-launch will take place.
He said, “With your cooperation, with your support and understanding, we will together address all those challenges.
“I need to bring your memories back to some time in 2013-2014; we walked this same route together.
“With a more robust and indigenous solution taking into consideration the frustrations associated with previous customs management platforms.”
Kikelomo Adeola, the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs who is in charge of information technology and modernisation, gave assurances to stakeholders that they will continue to be engaged in the process of continuously improving the system.
She conveyed to the various parties that the NCS had conducted considerable internal testing in order to guarantee a smooth transition.
In her statement, Adeola reaffirmed the need of collaboration among all parties involved in the business. She stated that customs officers and other stakeholders must collaborate in order to handle any new problems that may arise.
Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller in charge of Apapa Command, praised the Comptroller General for his dedication to modernisation and engagement with stakeholders about the matter.
According to Olomu, each and every visit of the CG to Apapa leaves an indelible impact in terms of promoting the increase of income, facilitating trade, and ensuring security.