…Says It Delivers Promising Results Despite Early Challenges
By Lucy Nyambi
The Customs Area Controller Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of Nigeria Customs (NCS), Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, has called on stakeholders to embrace the newly implemented B’Odogwu customs trading platform. He highlighted its potential for enhancing efficiency and revenue generation, despite the teething problems encountered during its rollout.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, 4 December 2024, Comptroller Daniyan commended the system, describing it as a crucial step forward.
“B’Odogwu is a Nigerian initiative that requires the support of Nigerians. We are transitioning from reliance on a foreign system, and I urge everyone to stand behind this innovation. There will be no return to NICSIS II; its use has officially ended at PTML, as mandated by the service,” he stated.
He also announced that the command had achieved a milestone in revenue collection, with a record-breaking N44.9 billion collected in November 2024 — the highest monthly revenue ever generated by the command.
Responding to stakeholders’ concerns, Comptroller Daniyan dismissed claims that the new system had caused delays. He assured the public that all vessels berthed at PTML had been processed promptly. He further noted that the command had engaged with stakeholders earlier in the week to address issues raised by agents, urging them to approach the implementation team for support if needed.
“Many of the agents who said they are unable to capture data have not yet registered on the platform. I strongly encourage them to complete their registration to resolve any challenges. We are aware that some agents are still adjusting to the additional requirements of this system, which were not part of NICSIS II. However, as issues arise, we are committed to resolving them,” he said.
Comptroller Daniya revealed that over five banks are already integrated into the system, with 17 additional banks on the Interswitch payment platform expected to join by Thursday. He emphasised that these improvements would simplify transactions and enhance efficiency.
Stressing the importance of compliance in trade facilitation, Daniyan explained that properly declared Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) cargoes could be processed within two hours, provided declarants adhere to the required procedures. He reaffirmed the command’s dedication to the service’s core mandates, stating that national security and revenue collection would not be compromised for the sake of trade facilitation.
