Lagos: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed its appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for the implementation of the 'B'Odogwu' Unified Customs Management System. This innovative, locally-developed platform aims to enhance trade facilitation and revenue generation in Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the commendation was delivered by the ECOWAS Regional Trade Facilitation Committee (RTFC) during their visit to the Port and Terminal Multi-Service Ltd. (PTML) customs command in Lagos. The PTML was the pilot site for the B'Odogwu system's introduction, and the committee praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for spearheading this initiative.
Mr. Kolawole Sofola, ECOWAS Director of Trade, who led the delegation, commended both Adeniyi and the PTML command for their achievements in trade facilitation and revenue collection since the system's inception. He highlighted the positive impact of modern innovations deployed by the NCS on Nigeria's economic growth, emphasizing the role of the B'Odogwu system in suppressing smuggling and promoting trade.
Sofola also recognized Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, the Controller of PTML, for effectively utilizing the technology to increase productivity and revenue. He conveyed congratulations on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission President and the Commissioner responsible for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, noting the significant contributions of the NCS to the region's economic advancement.
In response, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan shared with the committee that the PTML Command collected over N230 billion using the B'Odogwu system from November 2024 to May 22. Initially launched as a pilot project at the PTML command, the success of B'Odogwu has led to its expansion to 34 commands nationwide.
Daniyan highlighted the unique nature of the B'Odogwu platform, developed collaboratively by NCS officers and the Trade Modernisation Project. He underscored the system's ability to facilitate two-hour cargo clearance and its potential for ongoing improvements in operations.
The PTML Command has emphasized training and capacity building under the guidance of CGC Adeniyi, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, including bankers and terminal operators. Daniyan noted that while challenges such as technological glitches exist, the homegrown nature of the platform allows for effective solutions.
Assistant Comptroller Oyindamola Oladepo, B'Odogwu Project Manager, provided insights into the project's history during the meeting. He noted that the platform generated N5.6 billion in a single day, with average port clearance achieved in less than six hours. Oladepo explained that B'Odogwu aligns with the Comptroller-General's agenda to consolidate, collaborate, and innovate customs operations for enhanced trade facilitation.