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As Federal government sacks Webb Fontaine, Customs develops, deploys indigenous trade platform

–– transits from NICIS to  B’Odogwu 

Funso OLOJO 
The Nigeria customs service has taken its destiny in its own hands as the service has now fully taken over the automated trade portal for cargo clearance at the ports.
This follows the disengagement of Webb Fontaine Limited who was contracted by the Federal government to develop customs trade portal.
In 2009, the service provider developed Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS), a trade portal for good clearance at the ports.

After the expiration of the contract and several extensions, the Federal Government finally disengaged Webb Fontaine and contracted a new concessionaires, Trade Modernisation Project(TMP) Limited to drive the new Customs  modernisation scheme.
The men and officers of the NCS, in active collaboration with the new contractor, TMP, developed a new and novel trade portal, called B’Odogwu, a wholly indigenous platform that was a clear departure from the old trade portal called NICIS.
In September, 2024, the customs launched the pilot scheme of B’Odogwu at the PTML  command to test run the new indigenous platform.

Despite the hitches, challenges and attempts by Webb Fontaine to frustrate the new concept, B’Odogwu finally had a foothold after battling with the teething problems and the grand conspiracy of the sacked service provider.
The success of the pilot scheme of B’Odogwu now emboldened the confidence of the management of the NCS led by its Comptroller- General, Adewale Adeniyi, which decided to unleash the new concept on all commands.
So on Monday, March 3rd, 2025, Adeniyi led his management team to the Apapa Customs command where the official pre- launch of the indigenous trade portal was held.
Still cautious and meticulous about the full launch, the CGC said before the full deployment at all the commands, the system will be pre- launched at both the Apapa and Tin Can Island commands.
According to him, after the plot scheme at the PTML, the customs have worked on all the identified challenges encountered at the trial stage.
Though not all the challenges have been resolved, but a significant progress has been made in resolving these teething problems.
Adeniyi further disclosed that the pre- launch of the scheme at the Apapa and Tin Can commands will afford the Customs to fine-tune all the rough edges before the system is fully deployed at all the commands.
” What we are doing today is a pre- launch. We are not launching yet.
” We had done the pilot scheme at the PTML  but now we are deploying in bigger commands.
” 2025 is indeed a year of history for us.
This is because we have reached a critical junction in our operations.
“This has therefore necessitated that we move forward with our modernisation programme which we have initiated.
“We have been under the service of a service provider contracted by the Federal Government for over a decade.
“The service provision was under a contract for a period of time and that expired.
“For some reasons, government in its wisdom decided to extend that contract and a number of extensions were granted.
“Then government at a time felt that the contract needed to be terminated.
” A new concession agreement was signed between the Federal Government of Nigeria and a new service provider, Messr TMP.
” One of the things we decided with the new concessionaire is are we going to continue with the NICIS we are used to over a decade with all its failures and frustration or are we going to develop a new concept?
” Because of the history of frustration and dissatisfactions we had with NICIS, we took that bold decision that we are going to start on fresh note, we are going to develop a new system that will take care of all the challenges and frustrations we had with NICIS for almost 20 years.
” That was why our officers working with the new service provider started to develop a new system.
“What we have is what we christened B’ Odogwu, a wholly indigenous trade portal”  .
Adeniyi, while explaining the rationale behind the name B’ Odogwu, said they needed to create a system that is as robust, visible, resilient and strong as Odogwu that will have that capacity to handle the complexities and volume of international trade.
” That is why we coined the name ” Odogwu at the Border”
“The ‘B’ stands for “Border”
The CGC promised that with the pre – launch of the new concept, there is no going back as the service is committed to see the implementation of the new trade portal to a successful conclusion.
He disclosed that  the service has surmounted the initial resistance of some of the Authorized Dealer Banks to join the indigenous platform as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Olayemi Cardozo, had ordered all the Authorized Banks to key into the new concept.
The Area Controller of Apapa customs command, Babatunde Olomu, pledged the readiness and commitment of the command to deploying Odogwu as a crack team of officers have been trained to drive the project.
” We began a batch by batch training of stakeholders on how to use the new system” Olomu declared.
Olomu’ s assertion confirmed the CGC revelation that a help desks  have been created at the Apapa and Tin Can commands manned by a working group to help resolve any challenge that may arise.
” We are resolute and determined in our efforts to make this new system work” the CGC declared.
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Customs

KLT Customs reaffirms commitment to stronger maritime stakeholder engagement

Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter
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‎The Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Adigun, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening engagement with stakeholders across the maritime industry in line with efforts to promote trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable economic growth.
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‎Adigun gave the assurance through the Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Comptroller T.A. Jonah, who represented him during a courtesy visit by the newly elected Executive Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Command in Lagos.
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‎The Acting CAC, who was unavoidably absent, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key industry stakeholders, particularly the maritime media, in advancing the Service’s mandate and supporting national economic development.
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‎He described the media as a critical partner in disseminating information on government policies, customs reforms, trade facilitation initiatives, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
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‎According to him, maritime journalists occupy a strategic position in shaping public understanding and perception of activities within the port and maritime sector, stressing the need for professionalism, accuracy, and balanced reportage in the discharge of their duties.
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‎Adigun further assured the MARAN delegation that the KLT Area Command would continue to operate an open-door policy while fostering cordial and productive relationships with stakeholders within the maritime community.
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‎Earlier in his remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, stated that the visit formed part of the association’s ongoing stakeholder engagement initiative following the inauguration of its newly elected executive committee.
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‎Onigbinde explained that the purpose of the visit was to formally introduce the new leadership of the association to the Command and strengthen the longstanding relationship between MARAN and the Nigeria Customs Service.
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‎He commended the KLT Area Command for its contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and enforcement activities, describing the Command as a vital component of Customs operations within Nigeria’s port system.
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‎The MARAN President also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professional, objective, and development-driven journalism, noting that maritime reporters play a significant role in promoting informed discourse on issues affecting the industry.
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‎He further assured the Command of MARAN’s continued support for initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness within Nigeria’s maritime sector through responsible and factual reporting.

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Customs

“You are worthy ambassador of Osun State” Oni of Ife eulogies Adeniyi’s leadership of Customs 

Funso OLOJO,  Editor 
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi II, has eulogized the sterling qualities of Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller- General of Customs, for his revolutionary leadership of the Nigeria Customs  Service.
The  first class Yoruba monarch made the commendation on Thursday, 28th May 2026, during the annual Eid-el-Kabir gathering hosted by the Comptroller-General at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State.
The Oni, who cited President Bola Tinubu’s public commendation of Adeniyi as evidence of the confidence reposed in the Customs boss, described him as a good ambassador of Osun State and a source of pride to the ancient Ife Kingdom and the Modakeke community.
Oba Ogunwusi said President Tinubu’s public expression of satisfaction with Adeniyi’s performance reflected confidence in his leadership and the results being achieved by the Service.
“We are very proud of him and the work he is doing. When Mr President publicly expressed satisfaction with his performance, it was not a casual statement.
” It reflects trust in his capacity and the results he is delivering. What he is doing in the Customs Service and in the community shows that he is a unifier.”
Reaffirming the support of the Ife Kingdom for the Comptroller-General, the monarch declared:
“He brings people together, and that is what leadership is about. We will continue to stand by him and pray for him.”
Addressing guests, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adeniyi expressed appreciation to the Ooni of Ife, community leaders, family members, friends, associates, and well-wishers for their continued support.
He described Eid-el-Kabir as a season that reminds humanity of the virtues of sacrifice, gratitude, obedience, and service to others.
According to him, beyond the celebration, the gathering provides an opportunity to reconnect with people, strengthen relationships, and reflect on the collective responsibility of building stronger communities and a better nation.
The CGC noted that the NCS has continued to record significant progress in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, technological innovation, and corporate social responsibility initiatives in line with the economic objectives of the Federal Government.
He said the Service remains focused on supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through reforms aimed at facilitating legitimate trade, enhancing national security, improving compliance, and creating opportunities for economic growth.
CGC Adeniyi added that Customs has continued to invest in community-focused interventions across the country, including educational support programmes, healthcare initiatives, and other projects designed to improve the lives of Nigerians.
He pledged that the Service would continue to pursue reforms aimed at strengthening its operations and delivering greater value to the nation, while assuring stakeholders of Customs’ commitment to professionalism, transparency, and service excellence.
Adeniyi also expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country and assured Nigerians of the Service’s continued support for government policies geared towards economic prosperity and national development.
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Customs

World Bank strengthens Customs capacity in post clearance Audit in two- week capacity building exercise

Gloria Odion,  maritime reporter 
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a two-week Technical Assistance Mission on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in collaboration with the World Bank Group under the Accelerated Revenue Mobilisation Reform (ARMOR) Programme, aimed at strengthening compliance management, revenue assurance, and trade facilitation through modern audit practices.
The workshop, which runs from June 1 to June 12, 2026, is taking place at the Service’s  Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General , Babatunde Olomu, described the mission as a significant step in advancing the Service’s modernisation agenda and strengthening its capacity as a technology-driven, intelligence-led, and globally competitive customs administration.
He noted that modern customs administrations increasingly rely on intelligence-led, risk-based, and post-clearance interventions that promote voluntary compliance while supporting legitimate trade and economic growth.
According to him, the mission offers an opportunity to assess existing processes, identify operational gaps, adopt international best practices, and develop practical solutions to strengthen the Post Clearance Audit framework.
Olomu identified risk-based targeting, case management, registry management, quality assurance, standardisation, and integrated audit systems as key areas of focus.
He emphasised that effective Post Clearance Audit enables Customs to move beyond transaction-based controls to a strategic compliance management approach that enhances revenue assurance, facilitates legitimate trade, strengthens transparency, and boosts public confidence.
“This mission presents a valuable opportunity to critically assess our existing processes, identify gaps, learn from international best practices, and develop practical solutions that will strengthen our PCA framework and overall compliance management system.” he stated.
The ACG commended the Comptroller-General for his commitment to modernisation and capacity building and also appreciated the World Bank and other development partners for their sustained support for Customs reforms.
He urged participants to actively engage throughout the programme and ensure that lessons learned are translated into measurable improvements in daily operations.
Speaking at the event, World Bank Task Team Lead, Moses Kajubi, said the mission is designed to strengthen the capacity of Post Clearance Audit officers through modern customs practices, practical audit tools, and internationally recognised methodologies.
He explained that participants would be exposed to global best practices, case management techniques, and compliance management strategies that can be adapted to Nigeria’s operational environment.
Kajubi stressed the importance of leveraging technology, structured case management systems, and data-driven decision-making to improve audit quality, compliance monitoring, and trade facilitation outcomes.
“This engagement will equip participants with practical tools and global best practices that can be applied directly in the field to improve the effectiveness of Post Clearance Audit operations.”He stated.
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He expressed confidence that the engagement would strengthen institutional capacity and contribute significantly to the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernisation objectives.
Lead Consultant for the ARMOR-P, Colonel Aloke Dutt, said the mission seeks to enhance trade facilitation, optimise revenue, and improve compliance management through a more structured and unified approach to Post Clearance Audit.
He emphasised the need for standardised audit methodologies, effective monitoring mechanisms, and the integration of data analytics into audit processes to improve accountability and operational efficiency.
Dutt also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology-driven solutions such as the B’Odogwu platform and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support a competency-based audit system across the Service.
During a technical session, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Muhammad  Jubril, demonstrated the Post Clearance Audit process on the B’Odogwu platform, explaining how officers can initiate audit reviews using Harmonised Commodity codes and other risk indicators.
In his closing remarks, Comptroller Muhammad Shattima encouraged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the workshop and apply the knowledge gained to achieve the strategic objectives of the NCS.
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