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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

Beer merchants panic over tax stamp policy, seeks solace from Customs

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
The proposed Tax Stamp policy of the Federal government has expectedly activated panic mode among beer industry leaders who have expressed anxiety of possible escalation in the production and consumer costs if the policy is eventually implemented.
Though, there is an ongoing dialogue between stakeholders and the government to manage the economic impact of the policy, the leaders of the brewing sector had sought more clarification on the policy from the Nigeria customs service when they engaged with the Comptroller- General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi on Monday, May 11th, 2026.
The brewers have come to discuss the economic impact the proposed policy will have on their brewing business.
At the roundabout discussion, Adewale had emphasised the need for credible data, inclusive consultations and sustained stakeholder engagement in Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal and regulatory reforms.
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‎Speaking during the engagement, CGC Adeniyi stressed that policy decisions affecting strategic sectors of the economy must be guided by verifiable data and a clear understanding of prevailing market realities.
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“‎We need to have a clear understanding of what constitutes illicit trade. Some of these products are legitimately manufactured in Nigeria.
“In other jurisdictions,customs administrations are already engaging in discussions around how such products find their way across borders and into unauthorised markets” the CGC stated.
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‎He further underscored the importance of accuracy and credibility in industry data presented to policymakers, noting that sound policy formulation depends on reliable information.
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‎“One thing we need to understand more clearly is where some of these estimates came from.
“When we are making policy decisions of this nature, the credibility and accuracy of data must never be in doubt,” he added.
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‎Highlighting the Service’s ongoing modernisation efforts, Adeniyi noted that the NCS has continued to introduce reforms aimed at improving trade facilitation and enhancing operational efficiency across the supply chain.
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‎“We have consistently introduced initiatives aimed at facilitating trade. We introduced the Advance Ruling. We introduced the Authorised Economic Operator programme.
“We also rolled out several reforms on our own initiative, not because we were under pressure, but because we recognised the need to improve trade facilitation,” he said.
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‎On the proposed tax stamp initiative, the CGC clarified that consultations with stakeholders are still ongoing and that no final decision has been reached regarding implementation.
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‎“As far as I am concerned, consultations are still ongoing. If this initiative is legitimate and beneficial, then we all have a responsibility to ensure that we are heading in the right direction,” he stated.
‎He also encouraged private-sector operators to maintain constructive engagement with relevant government agencies to ensure that any eventual policy framework balances revenue protection with industrial sustainability and economic growth.
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‎Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Chief Executive Officer of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Girish Sharma, said the visit was aimed at presenting the industry’s position on the proposed tax stamp framework, which he noted has generated considerable discussion within the sector.
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‎Sharma acknowledged the importance of regulatory controls but maintained that the beer industry remains one of the most structured and highly regulated sectors in Nigeria, with limited exposure to counterfeiting risks.
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‎“We fully understand the purpose and importance of tax stamps, particularly in industries where counterfeiting is a major concern.
“However, within the beer sector, counterfeiting is minimal,” Sharma said.
‎He noted that existing compliance and monitoring systems already provide adequate visibility across production and distribution channels.
‎“From an end-to-end compliance perspective, we believe there is already sufficient transparency and oversight,” he added.
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‎Sharma also highlighted the industry’s contribution to employment generation, government revenue and economic growth, cautioning that additional regulatory measures should be carefully designed to avoid unintended impacts on the sector and the wider economy.
The 2026 tax stamp policy in Nigeria is a regulatory, security-focused, and mandatory track-and-trace system imposed by the government on excisable goods—including alcohol, tobacco, and sugar-sweetened beverages—to curb illicit trade and bolster revenue.
The policy, aimed at reducing smuggling and counterfeiting, requires high-security physical labels or digital codes to be affixed to products.
The policy applies to excisable products such as tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks, with specialized stamps for textile imports, such as the Red vs. Green stamps.
 Manufacturers must ensure compliance. Under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025, compliance is required, and failure to stamp documents within 30 days can lead to severe penalties, including a 10% penalty fee plus interest.
While the government aims to enhance revenue, manufacturers, particularly in the brewing sector, have raised concerns that the policy could significantly diminish profitability and increase consumer prices, with potential to create 100% loss in profits if implemented as proposed.
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Customs

At UNILORIN conference, Adeniyi advocates for human- driven technology for balanced developmental efforts

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 
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‎The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to responsible digital transformation and innovation driven governance during his keynote address at the 4th Biennial International Conference organised by the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, in collaboration with the Faculty of Philology, RUDN University, Russia.
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‎The conference, themed “Disruptive Technology: Human and Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Economy,” was held on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, at the University of Ilorin Main Auditorium.
The event attracted academics, communication experts, technology professionals, researchers, policymakers, and heads of government agencies to deliberate on the growing influence of digital innovation and artificial intelligence on governance, education, trade, and economic development.
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‎In his address, CGC Adeniyi stressed the importance of balancing technological advancement with human responsibility, noting that the future of the digital economy depends not only on artificial intelligence but also on ethics, leadership, and institutional capacity.
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‎“The digital age is, in the end, a human story, and the real test of our generation is not how powerful our machines become, but how wisely our societies choose to use them,” Adeniyi stated.
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‎He observed that disruptive technologies such as digital payments, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and smart systems have already reshaped global operations, adding that the world is no longer preparing for disruption but actively functioning within it.
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‎According to him, government institutions must ensure that technological innovation strengthens transparency, public trust, and operational efficiency without compromising accountability.
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‎Drawing from the Nigeria Customs Service’s experience, the CGC highlighted ongoing digital transformation initiatives, particularly the deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, which has significantly improved trade facilitation, cargo processing, and inter-agency collaboration.
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‎He disclosed that the platform generated over N230 billion at the PTML Command within its first eight months of deployment, while cargo clearance timelines for compliant traders have been reduced to less than eight hours.
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‎“The partnership, not the rivalry, between human and artificial intelligence is where the real value lies,” he said, adding that technology delivers optimal results when guided by strong institutional values and ethical standards.
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‎Adeniyi further noted that although artificial intelligence enhances efficiency, risk management, and decision-making, human expertise and leadership remain indispensable to effective governance and enforcement.
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‎“Technology changes processes  leadership and expertise still deliver the results,” he added.
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‎The CGC also called for stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, and public agencies to develop practical solutions to emerging digital and governance challenges.
He urged academic institutions to move beyond theoretical learning and play a more active role in innovation and policy development.
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‎He identified areas where academia can support Customs modernisation efforts, including digital compliance systems, AI-driven risk management, public trust communication strategies, and the governance of cross border data flows.
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‎Adeniyi further advocated for the development of digital governance frameworks tailored to African realities, legal systems, and developmental priorities, emphasising that technological advancement must remain accountable to the people it serves.
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‎On the sidelines of the conference,the CGC engaged with heads of government agencies, scholars, communication professionals, traditional rulers, and institutional leaders on opportunities for collaboration in digital innovation, research, community development, and capacity building.
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Customs

Oshoba, Apapa Customs boss, charges officers on discipline, revenue, trade facilitation

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged officers and men of the Command to intensify revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling operations and uphold professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties.

Comptroller Oshoba gave the charge during the Command’s monthly parade held on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at the Command headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.

The Area Controller emphasized the need for greater operational interventions across terminals to block revenue leakages while ensuring seamless trade facilitation and timely cargo clearance.

“Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. That is why any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated.

“Even at the gates. If a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay at the gates,” he stated.

He also urged officers to remain accessible and professional in their dealings with stakeholders.

“You must make yourself accessible to our stakeholders and we must avoid actions capable of tarnishing the good image of the Service and the good work being done by the CGC and members of his management.

“We should not be seen as slugs in the wheels of progress,” Oshoba added.

The CAC further called for heightened vigilance against smuggling activities, especially illicit drugs and prohibited items, while warning officers against misconduct and improper dressing.

Highlight of the parade was the recognition of outstanding Officers and Units for exemplary service.

Assistant Comptroller of Customs Ismail Mohammed emerged as the Most Outstanding Officer of the Month, while CSC Augustine Ondoma, ASCI Bukola Olaleye and IC Olalekan Salawu were recognized for professionalism, innovation and punctuality respectively.

Similarly, officers of APM Terminal received the Excellence Award on Enforcement, while Officers of ECO SUPPORT Terminal received the Excellence Award on Revenue Generation.

Comptroller Oshoba explained that the award initiative was introduced to encourage hard work, excellence, professionalism and healthy competition among Officers and Units of the Command.

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