The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a significant revenue milestone of N230 billion, achieved through the adoption of the Unified Customs Management System, popularly known as B’Odogwu, at the Ports & Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command.
The milestone, which reflects collections since the system’s rollout in October 2024, was disclosed by the PTML Area Controller, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, during a courtesy visit by the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) to the command on Sunday.
Describing the homegrown digital platform as a game-changer, Daniyan noted that B’Odogwu has enhanced transparency, efficiency, and automation in customs operations. “B’Odogwu is working for us. We have realised over N230bn so far on the platform. If it’s not working for you, then you are not doing the right thing,” he stated.
According to him, B’Odogwu, a locally developed innovation, was designed to replace the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS), which had previously relied heavily on foreign technical inputs. He emphasized that this transition not only strengthens national data security but also helps the government curb capital flight.
“This means that the NCS is not only helping Nigeria to raise money but also saving money,” Daniyan said.
While acknowledging some initial hiccups during deployment, the customs chief affirmed that over 90% of the system’s teething issues have been resolved, particularly at PTML, which served as the pilot command for the nationwide rollout.
He revealed that B’Odogwu comes equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven tools for enhanced cargo classification and risk management. These features, he noted, improve accuracy in processing declarations and reduce human interference in cargo clearance.
Daniyan urged freight forwarders, clearing agents, and importers to embrace transparency and make honest declarations to enjoy expedited clearance processes. “If you are a compliant trader, you don’t have issues. We give you one hour, not even two hours, to get your consignment. That is our goal,” he said.
This drive aligns with the customs’ broader Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) commitments, aimed at reducing delays, lowering transaction costs, and boosting investor confidence in the Nigerian maritime sector.
President of SCAN, Moses Ebosele, commended Daniyan and the entire PTML command for fostering a cordial relationship with the media and stakeholders. He praised the Area Controller for his openness and sustained efforts in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation, and digital literacy for frontline customs officers and trade operators.
Industry experts say the NCS’s achievements at PTML under the B’Odogwu system underscore the importance of indigenous innovation in public sector reform. The system’s success is seen as a model for potential deployment across other key revenue-generating agencies in Nigeria.
The NCS’s transition to a unified and digitized revenue platform also aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda to improve ease of doing business, block leakages, and boost non-oil revenue. The Customs modernization drive, led by Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, is expected to add over $3.5 billion to government revenue over the next five years if consistently implemented.
With rising pressure on public finances, experts urge the government to replicate PTML’s digital reforms across other seaports and land borders. The goal is to ensure harmonized trade procedures, minimize corruption, and promote Nigeria as a competitive hub in West Africa.
As Nigeria Customs Service consolidates gains from B’Odogwu’s implementation, stakeholders are calling for sustained capacity building, broader policy support, and consistent engagement to ensure the platform reaches its full potential nationwide.