The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Premier Port Command, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu has reassured that the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu would pick up and surpass users’ expectations very soon.
The CAC also announced a revenue collection to the tune of N161,258,483,474.63 within three weeks.
This was contained in a statement on Monday, signed by SC J.T. Ayagbalo, a Superintendent of Customs (SC) and Public Relations Officer of the Command.
According to the statement, Comptroller Olomu who stated this following series of intense stakeholders’ engagement championed by the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, said there are prospects of improvement in the B’Odogwu system
While commending stakeholders for their patience and understanding with the NCS particular those in Apapa Command, the Area Controller disclosed that between August 1 and 22, 2025 the command collected N161, 258,483,474.63(one hundred and sixty-one billion, four hundred and eighty-three thousand, seven hundred- and seventy-four-naira, sixty-three kobo) using the B’Odogwu system
He expressed optimism in the capability of the B’Odogwu platform facilitating more trade than previous ICT systems hitherto deployed by the NCS and that the stakeholders’ patience will not be in vain. He stated further that the dedicated ICT department of the service has been working round the clock to achieve a permanent solution to the impasse.
Describing Apapa Command as a critical and strategic area for the realisation of the NCS goals, Comptroller Olomu said the CGC has initiated and sustained dialogue with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council with a view to ameliorate the effects of recent downtime experienced in the course of their transactions.
The stakeholders’ engagements have also cascaded to the command level with the Zonal Coordinator, Charles Orbih physically present at Apapa Command to address the concerns of importers, licensed customs agents and freight forwarding companies.
“I am pleased with the maturity, patience, understanding and support we have received from our stakeholders in the past and most recent times. Their confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service ability to overcome and resolve all network glitches is not misplaced. It further underscores our shared values as patriotic Nigerians who want to see our homegrown ICT initiative thrive”.
“Let me restate that the CGC is deeply concerned and persistently overseeing the solution process while interfacing with sister government agencies like the Nigerian Shippers Council to mediate the process of demurrage waivers with terminal operators and shipping companies”.
“Beyond the usual Monday to Friday work, I have directed our officers to work extra hours and weekends to fasten the process of clearing the backlog of undone jobs and reduce delays associated with conventional closing periods” Comptroller Olomu said.
