In a landmark development for Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Tincan Island Port (TCIP) Command and Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have successfully processed their first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) using the indigenously developed B’Odogwu platform.
At an event to mark the development at TCIP on Monday, stakeholders described it as a significant step in trade facilitation, transparency, and operational efficiency at one of the country’s busiest seaports.
The successful deployment and processing of the inaugural SGD on the B’Odogwu platform reflect the Customs Service’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation, in line with the Federal Government’s drive to enhance ease of doing business.
Speaking on the watershed moment, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, said: “This achievement demonstrates our readiness to embrace technology that streamlines cargo clearance procedures, reduces dwell time, and improves service delivery. The B’Odogwu platform has shown great promise, and we are proud to be pioneers in its implementation.”
Comptroller Onyeka further highlighted that the Command has achieved 100% network infrastructure coverage across all terminals and the Command’s headquarters. He emphasized that the problem of network failure is now a thing of the past, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient processing of cargo and trade documentation.
According to him, the B’Odogwu platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Customs systems, providing a user-friendly interface for declarants, brokers, and other stakeholders. It enhances cargo tracking, document processing, and compliance management in real-time, reducing manual bottlenecks and opportunities for delays, he said.
Comptroller Onyeka further noted that the launch was preceded by a series of extensive training sessions and stakeholder engagements organized by the Command, in collaboration with system developers. Key industry participants—including shipping lines, customs licensed agents, terminal operators, and customs officers—took part in these capacity-building initiatives. The training sessions were designed to ensure the seamless adoption of the new platform and covered critical areas such as system navigation, document processing, cargo tracking, and compliance protocols.”
Industry stakeholders, including SteveJosh Logistics International limited whose declaration was the first to be captured on the new platform, welcomed the innovation, expressing optimism that the new platform will reduce transaction costs and improve Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.
Meanwhile, at Apapa Area Command, the rollout culminated in the successful processing and clearance of its first Single Goods Declaration (SGD).
Speaking at the milestone event on Friday, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, emphasized the platform’s role in addressing long-standing challenges.
“We have created a robust platform that facilitates trade and ensures the swift clearance of cargo. Challenges such as poor network connectivity, delays, and congestion associated with the former system end today,” declared Comptroller Olomu.
Highlighting Apapa’s crucial role in Nigeria’s trade, handling 400 to 500 declarations daily, he stated, “As a premier port, Apapa remains at the forefront of trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and revenue generation.”
He equally acknowledged the persistent difficulties of network failures and port congestion that had previously hampered operations.
