The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a major leap forward in trade simplification with the official launch of its state-of-the-art B’Odogwu trade modernisation platform at two of its busiest port commands: Apapa and Tin Can Island. Both ports recently processed their first cargo declarations using this cutting-edge system, marking a significant milestone toward more efficient, transparent, and reliable cargo clearance.

Apapa Port Takes the Lead

At Apapa, the system was successfully used for the first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) on May 9, 2025. Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller, highlighted how this platform tackles longstanding challenges such as poor network connectivity, delays, and congestion.

“We’ve built a robust platform that streamlines trade, ensuring swift cargo clearance. Problems like network issues and port congestion are now things of the past,” he stated during the event.

Given that Apapa processes between 400 to 500 declarations daily, the port’s readiness underscores Nigeria’s commitment to trade facilitation, anti-smuggling efforts, and revenue generation. Comptroller Olomu lauded the leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi for spearheading this digital transformation and emphasized the extensive stakeholder training aimed at ensuring smooth adoption.

Olarewanju Oyebanjo, from Bedowick Nigeria Limited, the first clearing agent to use the B’Odogwu platform at Apapa, shared his positive experience, describing the system as “smooth and straightforward.”

Tin Can Island Embarks on a Digital Journey

Just a few days later, on May 12, 2025, Tin Can Island Port became the second port to process a cargo declaration via B’Odogwu. Comptroller Frank Onyeka, the port’s Customs Area Controller, expressed pride in this achievement, emphasising the platform’s potential to revolutionise cargo clearance processes.

“This development shows our readiness to embrace technology that reduces dwell times, streamlines procedures, and enhances service delivery,” he said.

He also announced improved network infrastructure, claiming “100% coverage across all terminals and headquarters,” effectively eliminating past connectivity issues and ensuring seamless operations.

The B’Odogwu platform was designed for easy integration with existing systems and features a user-friendly interface. It allows stakeholders to track cargo, process documents, and ensure compliance in real-time, thereby reducing manual bottlenecks and delays.

Prior to the launch, extensive training was conducted for shipping lines, customs agents, terminal operators, and officers to facilitate a smooth transition to the new system.

Industry players, including SteveJosh Logistics International Limited, the first to declare at Tin Can Island using B’Odogwu, expressed optimism about the platform’s potential to lower transaction costs and boost Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.

The Tin Can Island Port Command reaffirmed its commitment to technological advancement, signalling a new era in Nigerian port operations that aligns with the federal government’s vision for a more efficient and transparent trade environment.

The launch of the B’Odogwu platform at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports represents Nigeria’s proactive step toward modern, technology-driven port operations. With improved connectivity, streamlined procedures, and stakeholder engagement, the future of trade in Nigeria looks more promising than ever.