By Edu Abade
The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) had restated its commitment to improve services for all stakeholders on the B’Odogwu platform as the Command generated an impressive N161 billion within three weeks.
Following the success of its operations, Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu has reassured that the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu will soon witness speedy improvement in the coming days and will surpass user expectations
A statement issued by Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Apapa Port Command, JT Ayagbalo, a Superintendent of Customs (SC), informed that Comptroller Olomu, who stated this following intense stakeholders’ engagement championed by the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said there are prospects of improvement in the B’Odogwu system.
While commending stakeholders for their patience and understanding with the NCS, particularly those in Apapa Command, the Area Controller disclosed that between August 1 and August 22, 2025, the Command collected ₦161.258 billion using the B’Odogwu system.
He expressed the hope in the capability of the B’Odogwu platform to facilitate more trade than previous ICT systems hitherto deployed by the NCS and that the stakeholders’ patience will not be in vain. He stated further that the dedicated ICT department of the service has been working round the clock to achieve a permanent solution to the glitches earlier experienced.
Describing Apapa Command as a critical and strategic area for the realization of the NCS goals, Comptroller Olomu said the CGC has initiated and sustained dialogue with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council with a view to ameliorate the effects of recent downtime experienced in the course of their transactions.
Comptroller Olomu pointed out that the stakeholders’ engagements have also cascaded to the command level with the Zonal Coordinator, Charles Orbih physically present at Apapa Command to address the concerns of importers, licensed customs agents and freight forwarding companies.
He commended all stakeholders for their maturity, patience, understanding and support in the past and most recent times, adding,“Their confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service ability to overcome and resolve all network glitches is not misplaced. It further underscores our shared values as patriotic Nigerians who want to see our homegrown ICT initiative thrive.
“Let me restate that the CGC is deeply concerned and persistently overseeing the solution process while interfacing with sister government agencies like the Nigerian Shippers Council to mediate the process of demurrage waivers with terminal operators and shipping companies.
“Beyond the usual Monday to Friday work, I have directed our men and officers to work extra hours and weekends to fasten the process of clearing the backlog of undone jobs and reduce delays associated with conventional closing periods.”
