‘B’ Odogwu processes multi-billion naira transactions within its pilot phase–CGC Adeniyi

Maureen Aguta

‘B’ Odogwu, an indigenous Customs clearance platform developed and deployed last year has already processed transactions worth billions of Naira in revenue within its pilot phase.

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this Monday on the during the celebration of the International Customs Day held at the headquarters of Nigeria Customs Service in Abuja.

He noted that the World Customs Organisation’s (WCO) theme for 2025, “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity,” perfectly encapsulates the foundational mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS); adding that the core responsibilities-“facilitating legitimate trade, securing our national borders, and fostering economic growth”, form the bedrock of the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service.

CGC Adeniyi said that the NCS strategic approach harmoniously balances trade facilitation with robust security measures, directly contributing to Nigeria’s economic advancement.

According to him, the Service’s unprecedented achievement of ₦6.1 trillion in revenue collection, coupled with significant security interventions, exemplifies NCS practical commitment to the mandates.

The Customs CG also said that in pursuit of operational efficiency, the Service has made significant strides in modernising its processes and procedures, saying “Our commitment to efficiency is evidenced by several key achievements over the years. Notably, the successful implementation of the Advanced Ruling System, providing binding decisions on classification and valuation before shipment arrival, thereby reducing clearance delays and disputes, is one of the recent references to our efforts to deliver efficiency.

“Moreover, the remarkable success of our Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which has achieved an average release time of 43 hours for certified companies, representing a 66.9 per cent reduction in cargo clearance time is another recent instance. Over the years the Service has modernised its processes to make the trading experience soothing for Nigerians,” he said.

He further said: “In terms security, globally there is increasingly a complex interplay between illicit trade, technological advancement, and transnational criminal networks. In addressing these challenges, the Service like other Customs Administations, focuses on several critical risk domains identified by the World Customs Organisation, they include: a. Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. We maintain vigilance against bulk cash smuggling, trade-based money laundering, and illicit trafficking of high-value commodities.

1. Cultural heritage protection. Our enforcement efforts safeguard against the illicit trafficking of cultural objects and artifacts, particularly given increasing global concerns about trafficking from conflict zones.
2. Drug trafficking. We have intensified our response to evolving narcotics threats, particularly addressing the shift from traditional narcotics to pharmaceutical and synthetic drug abuse. In 2024, this resulted in 105 seizures of narcotics and illicit drugs.
3. Environmental protection. Our enforcement actions against wildlife trafficking, illegal timber trade, and hazardous waste smuggling saw significant success, with 76 seizures of animal/wildlife products valued at ₦5.93 billion.”