Customs roll out indigenous software to boost cargo clearance

The Nigeria Customs Service has stated that multiple failures of foreign software technology to ensure seamless cargo clearance procedures at the ports have prompted the service to develop indigenous modernisation software.

The service added that the software, named ‘B’Odogwu’, was created after years of technology glitches that cost the country substantial revenue losses.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited on Wednesday at Tincan Island, Lagos, during an on-the-spot assessment of the project.

It is worth noting that importers and agents have been lamenting continuous server downtime, which delays the clearing process and documentation at the nation’s seaports, resulting in significant losses due to demurrage.

He stated that the software was developed following experiences with previous service providers who, “despite multiple contract extensions, failed to meet their deliverables and did not hand over at the end of their contracts.”

“It is disappointing when organisations fail to leverage their extended presence in Nigeria to build credible reputations that could benefit them both locally and internationally. Foreign systems have failed Nigeria, as the number of times they have been down is greater than the times they have been operational,” Adeniyi lamented.

According to him, the service cannot continue to wait for these service providers to rectify their systems and hand them over to the service; “so we decided to develop an indigenous system and jettison foreign systems, especially the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System, which expired in December 2022.”

He stated that the new system would enhance the ability to streamline end-to-end business processes, provide stakeholders with customised integration capabilities, support more efficient and intelligent business decisions, and facilitate ease of doing business.

Adeniyi noted that B’Odogwu is designed to complement ongoing efforts to leverage artificial intelligence and mixed reality technologies in customs administration.

He highlighted that the platform aligns with the service’s commitment to maintaining strong, resilient, open, and prosperous borders that epitomise the legal, policy, and strategic commitments of the NCS.

Adeniyi mentioned that PTML has received upgraded network infrastructure to meet modern demands.

He explained that the country is experiencing more complexities in declarations and is addressing the peculiarities in trade characteristics.

He also added that the service is launching a verification platform for agents, “which automates agents’ registration for licences and permits.”
Acknowledging the challenges that might arise during the rollout, Adeniyi assured stakeholders of the NCS’s readiness to address potential issues.

He emphasised that a technical support team would be on hand to resolve any difficulties encountered, ensuring a smooth transition.