CUSTOMS DAY: Tin Can Command To Roll Out B’Odogwu, Nets N86b Revenue As At 27th January 2025

By Roland Ekama 

The Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Port Command said all is set to deploy the B’Odogwu system, a Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) designed to enhance trade facilitation following the successful pilot phase of the system at the PTML command.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the 2025 International Customs Day (ICD) in Lagos on Monday, Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka assured importers and clearing agents of smooth cargo clearance with the implementation of B’Odogwu noting that all teething challenges experienced with the system during its pilot phase at PTML has been resolved.

Comptroller Onyeka stated that this year’s theme tallied deeply with the very essence of their mission at the command and aligned seamlessly with the strategic priorities of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.

Onyeka added that the World Customs Organization, WCO had tasked the Service with not just making promises but translating its commitments into concrete, measurable actions.

DAILYFOCUS NIGERIA reports that the command has already generated N86bilion revenue as at 27th January 2025 as against the sum of N83billion collected in January 2024,.

He said, “Through the future deployment of the B’Odogwu (Nigeria Customs Unified Customs Management System), we have automated key procedures, ensuring transparency and reducing human intervention. The integration of advanced technologies such as blockchain, e-customs platforms, and artificial intelligence has not only enhanced the speed of cargo clearance but also reinforced our commitment to meeting global best practices as seen in the pilot command PTML.”

 

He stated that “This call to action underscores the pivotal role of Customs in advancing legitimate trade facilitation, ensuring border security, collection of government revenue and fostering sustainable economic growth”, he said.

Insisting that the theme for this year’s International Customs Day challenged the Service to move beyond rhetorics and deliver measurable results, the CAC disclosed that they had translated that challenge into a comprehensive action plan anchored on three pillars namely: capacity building, enhanced collaboration and accountability and integrity.

 

He urged the officers and men of the command to always remember that their work had far-reaching implications for the lives of millions nationally and billions continentally, saying, “By delivering on our commitments to efficiency, security, and prosperity, we are not only fulfilling our mandate but also contributing to a brighter future for our nation and the global economy.”

He continued, “To my esteemed colleagues, I urge you to continue to embrace the collaboration, consolidation and innovation in service delivery as mandated in the Comptroller General’s policy thrust. To our stakeholders, I thank you for your unwavering support and collaboration, which remained invaluable to our success. Together, let us build a Nigeria Customs Service that is not only efficient and secure but also a true engine of national prosperity.”

 

On his part, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, ACG Charles Orbih observed that this year’s theme aligned closely with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s policy thrusts of Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation.

Orbih further explained that “Collaboration entails working together – across departments, with international partners, and with other government agencies – to create stronger, more effective customs processes. Consolidation involves bringing our resources, systems, and strategies into a unified, powerful approach that maximizes our operational capabilities.

“Innovation drives us to adopt new technologies, develop creative solutions, and continuously improve how we serve Nigeria’s economic interests.”

The ACG commended the officers for the revenue collection in January, urging officers of the command to continue to demonstrate commitment through consistent, professional and innovative service

He maintained that Zone ‘A’ being the bedrock of the Nigeria Customs Service represented a critical economic gateway for Nigeria, embodying the strategic importance of the Service in connecting the nation with global markets, hence, the need for the Zone to get it right.

To the leaders and decision makers in the country, he said, “We call upon you to support our vision. Your strategic investment in our infrastructure, technological capabilities, and human capital is crucial. By empowering the Nigeria Customs Service, you directly contribute to national economic resilience, security, and global competitiveness.

“Today, we recognize the extraordinary contributions of our outstanding officers and stakeholders who have significantly advanced our Service’s mission. People whose inventiveness have enhanced revenue collection, facilitated trade and protected our national economic interests.”

Urging every customs officer to embrace the ICD theme throughout the entire year, he added, “Let us demonstrate our commitment through consistent, professional, and innovative service. We must promote this theme in every of our interactions, processes and decisions that we make. Our collective actions will determine Nigeria’s economic competitiveness globally and national security.

“Our mission transcends bureaucratic processes. We are the silent architects of national prosperity, the guardians of economic frontiers, and the bridge between Nigeria and the global marketplace. I greatly appreciate your dedication and support in making the International Customs Day a memorable occasion. I wish you all a wonderful International Customs Day.”

In his address delivered by the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, ACG Charles Orbih, the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, WCO, Ian Saunders described the event as a chance for WCO member Customs administrations to honour the dedication of their respective staff, educate the public on customs’ mission and role and mobilize decision makers who can help ensure that they have the resources required to address challenges effectively and efficiently.

He revealed that this year, special focus was being placed on the need to turn commitments into tangible action that advance trade facilitation, ensure security and foster sustainable economic growth as part of the WCO’s theme for 2025. “WCO members are reminded of the direction that has been set at the WCO, and are invited to showcase the action they have taken to build momentum as well as to share any measurable progress.

“Efficiency, Security and Prosperity are permanent global aims, achieved through steadfast efforts to improve everything customs does. Efficiency, in particular, is powered by modernization of Customs procedures and development of digital services, the promotion of data-driven operations and analytical tools and the use of inspection and monitoring devices and cooperation and engagement with public and private entities.

“In the security realm, customs’ activities range from bolstering supply chain security to preventing the movement of illicit goods, combating money laundering and enhancing crisis preparedness. The ultimate goal, prosperity, depends on our ability to ensure fair revenue collection, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, support sustainable economic development and create inclusive policies, procedures and environment that takes into account the diverse need of the citizens we serve”, he submitted.