The new platform, developed indigenously, represents a major leap forward in the Service’s drive to automate processes, enhance compliance, and facilitate seamless cargo clearance.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, Customs Area Controller of the Port Harcourt II Command, described the deployment as a strategic step in aligning with the national push for full automation within Customs operations.

“It is imperative for the Command to key into the Service’s efforts to fully automate its services to improve efficiency, enhance compliance and optimize revenue collection,” Babandede stated.

According to him, the Command has already processed its first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) using the B’Odogwu platform, referencing declaration number C1202505PN. He noted that the successful transaction demonstrates the platform’s capacity to facilitate quick and efficient clearance of goods, reducing delays and costs for importers and agents.

The launch was witnessed by Customs officers and key stakeholders, including clearing agents. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Theophilus P. Duniya, said the event marked a historic milestone for the Service, as it showcases the viability of homegrown digital solutions in transforming port operations.

Clearing agent Mr. Iroegbu Samuel, who participated in the pilot declaration, lauded the system’s speed and flexibility.

“From capturing to release, the process was seamless and fast,” he said. “It’s not very different from the NICIS II platform, but it’s more adaptable and user-friendly. There’s nothing to fear.”

The B’Odogwu system is expected to be a game-changer in Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, enabling greater transparency, reducing human interface, and increasing revenue assurance.

Comptroller Babandede called on all stakeholders and the trading public to embrace the new technology, urging them to support the Customs Service in its mission to reform and transform Nigeria’s trade environment through innovation and digitalization.

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Speaking during a strategic stakeholder engagement in Abuja, Adeniyi made a passionate appeal for a national rethink on the way goods and services are sourced across sectors.
“Let us all think home in all purchases, procurement, contracts and services,” he said.

The Customs boss, who has consistently advocated for institutional reforms and greater efficiency at Nigeria’s borders, is now extending his influence beyond trade facilitation to drive a more patriotic economic agenda. Under his watch, the Nigeria Customs Service has already begun reviewing internal procurement policies to favour indigenous manufacturers, service providers, and local contractors.

Strategic Shift in Policy and Practice

Insiders within the Customs Service confirm that recent procurement cycles now include evaluation metrics that prioritise local content. From uniform production and fleet maintenance to ICT infrastructure and facility management, the NCS is actively sourcing local solutions—signaling a major departure from past practices.

This shift is already inspiring similar moves across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), some of which have commenced internal reviews to align with the “Nigeria First” directive. Multinational companies operating in Nigeria are also reportedly reassessing their local sourcing strategies in response to growing pressure to support the domestic economy.

Ripple Effect Across Key Sectors

The implications of this movement are profound. In the oil and gas sector, the push aligns with the objectives of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), while in construction, agriculture, aviation, and ICT, it has the potential to boost job creation, strengthen local capacity, and reduce capital flight.

Industry analysts say the renewed local content drive—spearheaded by a prominent figure in public service—may be the catalyst needed to reinvigorate Nigeria’s manufacturing base and encourage a new wave of investment in local enterprises.

Business Community Reacts

Stakeholders across the private sector have welcomed the move, describing it as timely and necessary. Many local entrepreneurs, long sidelined in favour of foreign suppliers, see it as a breakthrough moment that could open new opportunities for growth and relevance.

Economic analyst Dr. Michael Ojo described Adeniyi’s leadership as “a pragmatic model of economic nationalism,” noting that the CGC’s decision to begin with reforms within his own agency gives the agenda credibility.

Adeniyi’s “Nigeria First” initiative is quickly evolving from a slogan into a national framework that could reshape Nigeria’s economic landscape. By calling on Nigerians to prioritise homegrown talent, businesses, and services, the Customs chief has lit a spark that may well become a transformative movement.

If widely adopted, this agenda could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s journey toward self-reliance and sustainable economic development. For now, the message is clear—and it’s gaining traction: Nigeria must come first.

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The endorsement came during a high-level inspection of locally-manufactured vehicles by members of the Nigeria Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA) at the Customs headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, May 8.

Addressing stakeholders and manufacturers after the tour, CG Adeniyi expressed satisfaction with the quality and efficiency of the vehicles on display.

“In terms of aesthetics, I am satisfied with what I see here. In terms of functionality, we have been assured by the manufacturers that the vehicles are quite efficient,” he stated.

He added that the vehicles’ local assembly was a strong testament to Nigeria’s industrial capabilities.

“What gives me even greater joy is the visible imprint of Nigeria in all the vehicles I have seen today. It shows that they are fully assembled here. It gives me joy that Mr. President’s policy is on the right course,” Adeniyi said.

He emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to patronize locally-assembled vehicles as part of its broader support for national economic growth and industrial development.

Industry leaders at the event commended the Customs boss for his continued support of the Nigerian automobile industry.

Ilekuba Anslem, Chairman and CEO of Cedric Masters Group, thanked the CG for championing the cause of local manufacturers.

Also speaking, Oluwatobi Ajayi, Chairman and CEO of Nord Automobiles, stated:

“Even before this policy was announced, you had been championing made-in-Nigeria vehicles. With Mr. President’s announcement, we are confident that you will be the first CEO of a government parastatal to fully champion this policy.”

Ajayi also assured the CG that Nord would ensure full after-sales support for its vehicles.

Jonas Ojukwu, a Director at Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), pledged continued delivery of top-quality vehicles to the Nigeria Customs Service.

Other notable stakeholders who participated in the engagement included representatives from Mikano Motors Nigeria and Stallion Motors Nigeria, all of whom expressed readiness to support the government’s drive for local manufacturing.

The inspection underscores the growing collaboration between government agencies and indigenous manufacturers, highlighting a renewed push to industrialize Nigeria through strategic policy implementation and institutional patronage.

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By ifeanyi Edwin nwabugu

In line with its extant resolve to up its game in service delivery and provide a top notch and seamless technology driven services, the Nigeria Customs service NCS has finally commenced a pilot implementation of B’ODOGWU documentation in its three ports commands .This was made known to newsmen by the Controller General of Customs Wale Adeniyi. This strategic initiative represents a bold step in the service delivery reforms aimed at modernising trade procedures and enhance operational efficiency. Therefore following the service command approval to integrate Form M’ process into B’ODOGWU trade portals, preparatory activities has commenced in the three designated commands, these include Port and Terminal Multi services Limited (PTML),Tin Can Island Port and Apapa Area Command. According to the official statement as released by the Custom image maker AC Abdullahi Maiwada explained that these sites were selected to drive the pilot phase in a controlled and strategic environment allowing for a close monitoring, stakeholder’s engagement and performance assessment. The statement reads thus ” during this period a total of 544 Form M’ entries were processed, of these 283 were successfully registered, 10 were validated and 26 were stored for further action, additionally entries were submitted, 120 were returned for correction, 11 were queried , 14 had their PAAR locked and 39 were recommended for approval. These figures refflects the robust testing and interactive learning across all participating commands ” He further provided a detailed analysis of assessments report, documentation made, declaration generated including various recommendations made for approval etc and remarked that the successful implementation of Form M’ pilot phase on the B’ODOGWU platform signals the beginning of a nation wide transition that will streamline custom documentation, enhance transparency and promote faster clearance timelines. He therefore advices that in order to enhance trade facilitation and supply and supply chain security in the ongoing pilot phase, NCS encourages all carriers (shipping and airlines) to commence transmission of manifest to the B’ODOGWU platform, while ensuring that all key stake holder are adequately engaged and prepared for full documentation under the visionary leadership of CGC Adeniyi, the service will continue to pursue automation initiative that will consolidate its role in trade facilitation, revenue generation and national development, he stated

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