By Roland Ekama
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Waltolye Limited, Otunba Joseph Adebowale Atoloye, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) management for its digitalization of cargo clearance processes at seaports.
Speaking to newsmen on Monday in Lagos, Atoloye praised Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, whom he dubbed “B’Odogwu” for the innovation, declaring that it has come to stay.
While hailing the smooth operations of the B’Odogwu platform, the customs broker urged NCS to further streamline activities by merging some departments and units, reducing human contact in port clearance.
The B’Odogwu is NCS’s homegrown Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), replacing outdated systems to modernize trade. It integrates all regulatory agencies, simplifies clearance, and boosts efficiency via digital tools like electronic cargo tracking and risk management for faster, transparent operations.
The name blends “B” for Border with the Igbo word “Odogwu,” meaning “great” or “mighty,” symbolizing strength in customs processes.
Atoloye noted that the platform has automated operations that no longer need human intervention, adding that NCS has exceeded expectations under CGC Adeniyi in revenue generation and trade facilitation.
He acknowledged, “Any new innovation has teething problems early on, but we’re gradually getting it right with B’Odogwu. We’re moving ahead.”
Beyond B’Odogwu, Atoloye highlighted the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme , which is a voluntary certification for trusted businesses (importers, exporters, brokers) meeting high security and compliance standards as a game charge
He also called on the economic port regulator to engage shipping lines on arbitrary charges, which inflate cargo clearance costs.
Looking to 2026, Atoloye urged the federal government to enact policies that would enable 24-hour cargo clearance from seaports.
He advised government , mandating terminal operators to acquire cargo-handling equipment, lamenting that some concessionaires lack the infrastructure to speed up goods movement.
