How B’Odogwu has revolutionized trade, revenue generation at PTML in four months

…As command records over N150b revenue

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

B’Odogwu, a software development project called Unified Customs Management System(UCMS) one of the trade modernization and advanced technological projects of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has indeed revolutionized trade and brought about tremendous revenue increase at the Port and Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML) command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday ,the controller of the command, Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan, said since the commencement of the ‘Odogwu Border’ project which is one of the innovations of the CGC, in November 2024, the command has generated between N150billion to N180billion as at 1 March 2025.

Daniyan however regretted challenges and frustrations experienced at the embryonic stage of this platform the ‘Odogwu Border’ which he said is the most preferable nomenclature for this software rather than the popularly name ‘B Odogwu’, as it has indeed advanced the NCS duty and improved revenue.

CGC Adewale Adeniyi, Controller General of Nigerian Customs

He said, “Our CGC, a very wise man decided to inaugurate and commence the development of a replacement software for revenue transaction and payments which is called ‘Odogwu’ UCMS. Odogwu an indigenous project that represents strength, agility, capability and outstanding replaced the hitherto, Nigerian Integrated Customs Information System(NICIS) developed by Webb Fontaine(the concessionaire).

The PTML controller went on to say, “Odogwu is being anchored by Nigerians not foreigners. Developed by officers of the Nigerian Customs Service in conjunction with Trade Modernization Project(TMP)owners of the e-modernization contract. They are the ones developing it, they have been at the forefront of doing all sorts of scientific software development.”

The software project he assured has come to enhance the welfare of Nigerian trading public, facilitate trade and ensure traders get more money from their investments.

“This baby, Odogwu Border first birthed at PTML on 23 October,2024 is no longer crawling, it’s now running, that is why our visionary CGC has decided to replicate it at Apapa and Tincan commands.

“By section 28 of the Nigerian Customs Service Act, which empowered customs to initiate a process as an electronic platform for revenue collection. The CGC as one of his innovations initiated this Odogwu to replace NICIS.

Daniyan recounted what informed the CGCs choice of his command for the pilot programme thus, “So when it was time for it to be tested and reviewed, the CGC graciously choose PTML. PTML is one of the flagship terminals in Nigeria going by it’s efficiency. Our operations are top-notch. On this the CGC felt the appropriate place to pilot a scheme of this magnitude is PTML.

Our very innovative CGC by the choice of PTML expressed the confidence he has in the management of PTML.

He started this pilot scheme here. It was like a feasibility tried out here in PTML. You know pilot is pilot, they are testing it, they want to see how it pans out.

We thanked God NCS took this very bold decision. It was rough, It was tough. But today it’s better for us and with that we are able to get along so I will gladly tell you that NICIS is already dead here since November 11 2024 we stopped their transmission, they are no longer existing here.

That decisive decision we took helped us to go a long way to be on our feet today not loosing sight of the fact that when it rains, it pours.

Our scoreboard speaks volume. As at today, we have collected over N150b through the instrumentality of this Odogwu since 11 November 2024 we started.

Just like other trade facilitation and legacy projects of CG Adeniyi, such as Time Release Study(TRS), Advance Ruling(AR), Authorized Economic Operator(AEO) and the Odogwu Border, all are for the benefits of the trading public.

The command he expressed delight at it’s successes. “We give God all the glory. Since we came to this command, it has been from glory to glory.

The scoreboard indicates we are succeeding, surpassing every target from last year till now. For me, my deputy and officers of this command, we live for peace, good trade, we facilitate trade so that everyone who comes here to do business will not go back mourning; sorrowing but to rejoice and be happy because at the end of the day, the essence of trade is to prosper.

“We want to live behind prosperity for all, for Nigeria, for terminal operators, and prosperity for all stakeholders,” he concluded.