Nigeria Customs Service Embracing Digital Transformation

 By Lod Onyeji

The Tin-Can Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a significant step towards digital transformation with the successful deployment of the indigenously developed B’Odogwu platform. The platform was used to process its first Single Goods Declaration (SGD), marking a milestone in the Command's efforts to enhance the ease of doing business.

According to Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller, the B’Odogwu platform is designed to streamline cargo clearance procedures, reduce dwell time, and improve service delivery. The platform provides a user-friendly interface for declarants, brokers, and other stakeholders, enhancing cargo tracking, document processing, and compliance management in real-time.

The Command has achieved 100% network infrastructure coverage across all terminals and the Command's headquarters, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient processing of cargo and trade documentation. This development has eliminated the problem of network failure, which was a major challenge in the past.

The launch of the B’Odogwu platform was preceded by extensive training sessions and stakeholder engagements organized by the Command in collaboration with system developers. Key industry participants, including shipping lines, customs licensed agents, terminal operators, and customs officers, took part in these capacity-building initiatives.

Industry stakeholders, including Steve Josh Logistics International Limited, whose declaration was the first to be captured on the new platform, welcomed the innovation. They expressed optimism that the new platform will reduce transaction costs and improve Nigeria's global trade competitiveness.

The Tin-Can Customs Command remains committed to embracing technological advancements that support the nation's economic growth and international trade agenda. The successful deployment of the B’Odogwu platform is a testament to the Command's dedication to digital transformation and its efforts to improve the efficiency of cargo clearance procedures.