Customs

How Webb Fontaine tried to sabotage B’Odogwu– Customs

–as Customs generates N120 billion revenue on new platform in PTML pilot scheme.

–Main One fiber system to drive Odogwu connectivity — CGC Adeniyi

Funso OLOJO

Facts have emerged on how Webb Fontaine, the service provider engaged by the Federal Government in 2009 to drive the trade portal of the Nigeria Customs Service, tried for inexplicable reason, to abort the operation of B’ Odogwu at the PTML.

B’ Odogwu, the indigenous trade portal system developed by the Customs to enhance the modernisation of its operations, was test – run at the PTML command of the service in a pilot stage in September, 2024.

However, Webb Fontaine, which developed the outdated Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) , had its services disengaged by the Federal government when it was sacked and replaced by another concessionaire,Trade Modernisation Project (TMP)Limited, which developed a new software, B’Odogwu with the Customs to replace the old NICIS software.

Apparently angered by its sack and its old software discarded, Webb Fontaine shut down its infrastructure at the PTML in order to frustrate the pilot stage of B’Odogwu.

According to Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan, the Area Controller of the PTML, the action of the sacked service provider nearly aborted the pilot scheme of B’Odogwu as the operations at the command came to a halt and customs agents deserted the command and took their entries to the Tin Can Island command.

” In September 2024 when the pilot scheme of B’Odogwu took off at the PTML, the infrastructure of the new system was deployed in all areas of the command and the bonded terminals.

“Immediately the infrastructure was deployed, we had an issue with the NICIS.

” Webb Fontaine disconnected the command from their system.

“So all jobs were taken to the Tin Can Island command.

” But we summoned courage and on November 11th, 2024, we decided to put a stop to the use of NICIS entirely since the service provider did not want us to use their infrastructure.

” So we discontinued the use of Webb Fontaine platform and instructed the management of the PTML to start transmitting only on Odogwu” Comptroller Daniyan disclosed.

However, six months down the line since September 2024 when the indigenous platform debuted in the PTML, it has been a success story as the Customs braved the odds and surmounted the teething problems and initial challenges posed by the sacked service provider.

According to the PTML Area Comptroller, for the three months B’Odogwu was deployed in a pilot stage, the command treated 16, 000 entries fully paid for and realized revenue in excess of N120billion.

” We had our challenges but with the co-orporation of all stakeholders and the determination of the customs’ management team led by CGC Wale Adeniyi, we were able to pull through.

” Anything technology must have glitches but the beauty is that it is the indigenous effort initiated and deployed by indigenous customs officers.

” From then till date, it has been smooth sailing and that was why the management has the courage to decide to roll out the system in Tin Can and Apapa commands” the PTML CAC declared.

He disclosed that other challenges such as the resistance of the Authorized Dealer Banks to come on board B’Odogwu has been resolved.

” The stakeholders were initially sceptical about the new system but now they have embraced it” Comptroller Daniyan said.

Stakeholders present at the demonstration of B’Odogwu acknowledged the efficiency of the new system, admitting that it is faster than NICIS.

” No more delays, no more demerrage payments” a Chieftain of the National Council of the Managing Directors of the Licensed Customs Agents(NCMDLCA) declared.

Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller- General of Customs, who led his management team to a pre- launch of the indigenous platform on Monday, March 3rd, 2025 at Apapa command, declared that the issue of the initial resistance of the Authorized Dealer Banks (ADBs) has been sorted out with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardozo, who had ordered the banks to key into the new system.

Adeniyi, who took his team with the media on the demonstration tour of B’Odogwu at the Customs Processing Centre(CPC), Apapa command, explained the capacity and novelty of the new indigenous platform which he said was more efficient than the discarded NICIS.

” The server driving NICIS is old, outdated, bogus and complex.

“It ocupies a whole room at the Customs Headquarters, Abuja.

” It was installed more than 15 years ago but the world has since moved on.

” But the server driving B’Odogwu is more modern, compact, strong, efficient with bigger capacity than NICIS.

” It is not complex and bogus. It takes a small space , like a shower room, at the headquarters.

“The new system processes faster than what we had before.

” I am happy that as I entered the Apapa command, the first facility I saw was the support group office which shall support stakeholders whenever they have any challenge with the system.

On the connectivity platform that will drive B’Odogwu, Adeniyi said they have the best hands in IT technology that is driving the system.

He declared that the system will be driven by Main One, an indigenous connectivity system which has been proven to provide capacity of at least 4.96 Tbps.

” Connectivity is central to the new system.We are taking the best hands in the country in terms of connectivity to drive B’Odogwu.

” We are launching Odogwu on Main One. Main One will drive all our connectivity issues in Apapa and Tin Can, Onnne and all the major ports.

Adeniyi also disclosed that the service has plan B, a contingency plan to deal with glitches.

” We are going to also have Plan B in case the connectivity with Main One fails.

” There might be glitches, when it happens, the most important thing is that we are going to put in place a contingency plan to address the issue of glitches when it happens” the CGC declared.

He said there was no going back in the determination of the service to deploy the indigenous platform.

” We are focused on rolling out this platform. No going back on this .

” We have learnt very useful lessons from the pilot stage at the PTML.

” We shall ensure that the implementation is seamless and sustained.”

” That is why I and my management team came down personally to Apapa to roll out the system and ensure it is seamless”

Adeniyi acknowledged the fact that there are still outstanding challenges with the system.

” We did not roll out the the system in the PTML with the integration of Form M and PAAR.

” Now we have gotten to a point when all the banks have signed up and decided to key into the system as we roll out so that PAAR and Form M will be part of the new system in Apapa and Tin Can ports.

” Once we capture that, we can conveniently say that we have captured almost 70 to 80 per cent of our operations.” the CGC declared, exuding optimism about the success of the new system.

He declared that the priority of the service is to facilitate trade much more than to generate revenue, even though revenue generation is part of its core functions.

” At the pilot stage of the system in PTML, at the end of three months of trial, 16, 000 entries were captured with over N120 billion revenue collected.

” But the end game is not revenue but we are concerned with resolving all the issues surrounding declaration and ensuring trade facilitation.

” We want to ensure that our system is robust enough to cope with all the issues raised by our stakeholders.

“Once we do all that, revenue will follow” the CGC declared with conviction.

Main One fiber that will drive the connectivity of B’Odogwu

MainOne is a West African digital infrastructure company that provides connectivity and data center services.

It was founded in 2008 by Funke Opeke.

It was West Africa’s first privately owned undersea cable.

In 2015, it built Nigeria’s largest Tier III data center

It was later acquired by Equinix, a US-based digital infrastructure company, in 2022

It’s services include Submarine cable systems, IP NGN network, Regional and metro terrestrial fiber optic networks, Data center services, and Cloud services.

Main One has been instrumental in driving digital inclusion and supporting the continent’s tech industry .

MainOne strives to provide a conducive learning environment to schools in host communities

MainOne has a presence in Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.

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.

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.

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.

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.