Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of PTML Command insists that the newly introduced trading platform referred to as B’Odogwu, is gathering momentum at the Command as more banks embrace the local ICT platform
The indigenous trading platform recently introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) management, the B’Odogwu, which is currently being test run at the Ports and Terminal Multi services Limited (PTML) Command, has been embraced by more operators and business community at the command, Tentacle can authoritatively reveal.
In its few weeks of operation, the trading platform has been embraced by other 17 Money Deposit Banks (MDBs) which have indicated their interests to sign on the platform to join the existing five banks currently hooked up to the trading platform.
According to the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of PTML Command, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan the command has begun to reap increased revenue generation triggered by the new trading platform. The CAC revealed recently during a media briefing that the Command under his watch was able to generate a whopping N44.9 billion in November 2024, adding that the sum was the highest monthly revenue ever generated in the history of the command.
Consequently, Daniyan enthused that the B’Odogwu trading platform has come to stay in the Command.
The PTML Command being the pilot area for the operation of the indigenous platform, Daniyan advised stakeholders to embrace and rally round the new ICT platform as their own, stressing that the command had since parted ways with the old Customs platform known as NICIS2.
Daniyan used the opportunity to refute rumours which alleged that four vessels were not properly attended to at the port due to failure of B’Odogwu.
The Customs chief disclosed that the command met with some of the stakeholders earlier in December during which all issues bordering on the challenges experienced by agents were addressed and they were advised to engage the implementation team for further assistance.
He added that to facilitate trade, the command has bent backwards by applying manual methods to process cargoes and has established interface with the terminal operator to accommodate port users that have made entries on the platform.
Comptroller Daniyan further revealed that most of the clearing agents who claimed inability to capture their jobs had not registered on the platform, hence he urged them to come forward for capture to address their challenges.
The “B’Odogwu, according to Daniyan, is a Nigerian baby which he advised that it should be nurtured by Nigerians.
Speaking to the media, Daniyan said, “We are weaning our baby from a foreign mother and I urge all Nigerians to support it. “We are not going back to NICIS 2. The use of NICIS 2 platform has come to an end in PTML as this is the position of the Service.
”We are aware that some of our agents are yet to be fully acquainted with the additional requirements that were not involved in NICIS 2. As the problems come up, we are solving them.
“Note that the management has dispatched an implementation team here to ensure our stakeholders don’t suffer.
”We were disconnected from NICIS 3 three months ago and we have fully commenced implementation to grow our own teeth and serve the country better. We have left NICIS here in PTML. “We are committed to get it right here before moving to Tin Can and other ports. Our turnaround time for properly declared RoRo cargo is still two hours but this is dependent on compliance by the declarant.
“As a command, we will not sacrifice national security and revenue on the altar of trade facilitation. So far, 292 bills of laden have been captured in November, 375 are yet to capture. As at today, over 98 people have paid their duties under B’Odogwu platform as more banks are coming on board.”
Speaking further, Daniyan added, “The allegation that vessels are stranded due to B’Odogwu’s failure is completely false. Vessels have been discharging and departing efficiently. In fact, the first transaction on this platform saw a payment of over ₦2.55 billion.”
Daniyan attributed this success to increased transactions and diversification of imports, adding that
“We’ve never had it this good. B’Odogwu has brought additional streams of revenue by facilitating shipments from China and the East. This is a game-changer for us.”
Acknowledging some teething challenges with the system, Daniyan confirmed that 25 banks were now on board, ensuring smoother transactions for importers and agents. He said the system was expected to be rolled out to other commands, including Tin Can Island and Apapa Ports, once the pilot phase is perfected.
“We are committed to getting it right here at PTML before expanding to other ports. This is a Nigerian-designed system, and we must make it work,” Daniyan emphasized.
