…First digital declaration signals a new era in Nigeria’s maritime cargo operations.

The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has officially processed its first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) using the locally developed B’Odogwu platform—marking a pivotal moment for trade facilitation, transparency, and operational efficiency at one of Nigeria’s busiest ports.

The milestone was recorded on Monday, May 12, 2025, with stakeholders hailing it as a leap forward in digital transformation for Nigeria’s maritime and trade sectors.

“This achievement demonstrates our readiness to embrace technology that streamlines cargo clearance procedures, reduces dwell time, and improves service delivery,” said Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller at the Tincan Command. “The B’Odogwu platform has shown great promise, and we are proud to be pioneers in its implementation.”

The B’Odogwu platform integrates with existing customs systems, offering a user-friendly interface for declarants, customs brokers, shipping lines, and terminal operators. The platform enables real-time tracking of cargo, digital processing of trade documents, and better compliance management—addressing long-standing issues in manual procedures.

According to Comptroller Onyeka, the Command now boasts 100% network infrastructure coverage across all terminals and its headquarters, effectively eliminating the common problem of connectivity failures.

“The problem of network failure is now a thing of the past, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient processing of cargo and trade documentation,” he assured.

Before the launch, a series of intensive training and stakeholder engagement sessions were conducted, involving key players such as customs officers, terminal operators, and licensed agents.

“The training sessions were designed to ensure the seamless adoption of the new platform and covered critical areas such as system navigation, document processing, cargo tracking, and compliance protocols,” Onyeka explained.

SteveJosh Logistics International Ltd. had the distinction of submitting the first SGD processed on B’Odogwu. The firm and other industry stakeholders expressed optimism that the platform will reduce transaction costs and boost Nigeria’s standing in global trade indices.

A Commitment to Digital Innovation

The launch of B’Odogwu underscores the Customs Service’s dedication to aligning with the Federal Government’s ease of doing business agenda and positioning Nigeria as a competitive trade hub in West Africa.

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a major revenue milestone, collecting over ₦1 trillion well before the end of the first half of 2025.

The Command’s revenue record shows a total of ₦1,002,968,178,694.07, marking a historic performance and setting a new benchmark in Nigeria’s customs administration.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi, who is the Customs Area Controller, attributed the impressive achievement to a mix of strategic leadership, technological advancement, and the commitment of officers.

“Hitting the ₦1 trillion mark before the middle of the fifth month is a confirmation of the Command’s readiness to surpass the total of ₦2.3 trillion that was collected last year before December 2024,” said Comptroller Olomu.

He added that the success also highlights the effective leadership direction of Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, as well as the efforts to block revenue leakages and maintain high performance across all operational units.

Since taking over in May 2024, Olomu has emphasized discipline, diligence, and increased stakeholder engagement. He applauded officers for sustaining the work tempo and urged continued efforts in key areas such as:

Maximizing revenue collection

Suppressing smuggling through thorough cargo checks

Facilitating lawful trade

“Our award-winning reputation remains unshaken as we intensify efforts to maintain our excellent record as the leading customs command domiciled in the nation’s premier port.

“This recent revenue collection milestone only goes to show we are not resting on our oars. Going by the examples of our CGC, we have resolved not to be complacent,” Comptroller Olomu stated.

He further called on officers to embrace intelligence sharing, strengthen cooperation with sister agencies, and sustain regular engagement with stakeholders.

Highlighting the CGC’s digital transformation policy, Olomu said the Unified Customs Management System, known as B’Odogwu, is beginning to yield measurable productivity gains.

“With the ongoing training of licensed Customs agents and freight forwarders ahead of the full deployment of B’Odogwu, the Command’s chances of surpassing 2024 collection and meeting 2025 target are higher,” he noted.

Appreciating the role of compliant stakeholders, Olomu warned that any acts undermining the nation’s economic interests or security would attract strict penalties.

“It’s important we thank our compliant stakeholders for their support in this journey of national service and reiterate that any unlawful behavior that seeks to undermine national economic drive or compromise the country’s security shall be prevented with full sanctions of the law coming down on perpetrators,” he warned.

Last year, the Apapa Command received multiple recognitions, including the CGC Award of Excellence, while Comptroller Olomu was named Best Controller of the Year during the Comptroller General of Customs Award Night in Abuja.

In a symbolic endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Nigeria First policy, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, conducted an official inspection of vehicles produced by members of the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) on Thursday, 8 May 2025, at the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

The policy aims to promote a bold and confident business culture by prioritising locally made goods, including automobiles.

Speaking during the inspection, CGC Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with both the appearance and functionality of the vehicles presented.

“In terms of aesthetics, I am satisfied with what I see here. In terms of functionality, we have been assured by the manufacturers that the vehicles are quite efficient,” he said.

“What gives me joy is that in all the vehicles I have seen today, there is an imprint of Nigeria, which shows that they are fully assembled here. It gives me joy that Mr President’s policy is on the right course,” the CGC added.

He further commended the association for their full participation and lauded the Renewed Hope Nigeria First initiative, pledging continued support and patronage from the Nigeria Customs Service to drive the growth of the local automobile sector.

Responding to the CGC’s remarks, Ilekuba Anslem, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cedric Masters Group, applauded the CGC’s dedication to the automobile industry.

Also speaking, Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman and CEO of Nord Automobile Limited, said:

“Even before this policy was announced, you had been championing made-in-Nigeria vehicles. With Mr President’s announcement, we are confident that you will be the first CEO of a government parastatal to fully champion this policy.”

Ajayi also gave his assurance that Nord Motors would maintain its commitment to vehicle after-sales services.

Jonas Ojukwu, a Director at Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), echoed similar sentiments, stating that the company remains committed to delivering top-quality vehicles to the Nigeria Customs Service.

Representatives from other major local automobile firms, including Mikano Motors Nigeria and Stallion Motors Nigeria, also voiced their readiness to collaborate in support of the government’s industrial development agenda.