By Sandra Chukwunyere.
In a bold move to revolutionize Customs operations and enhance trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has taken a giant leap forward by organizing a comprehensive training session for members of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) on the innovative B’Odogwu digital platform on Thursday, Lagos.
This strategic initiative, spearheaded by Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, marks a significant milestone in the Customs Service’s quest to modernize its operations, improve efficiency, and foster a more seamless and transparent trade environment.
By equipping freight forwarders with the knowledge and skills to navigate the B’Odogwu platform, the Apapa Area Command is not only enhancing digital literacy but also empowering stakeholders to fully leverage the benefits of the digitalized customs process.
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The training, which took place at the NAGAFF Academy in Apapa, Lagos, was conducted by a team of experienced Customs Officers led by Assistant Comptroller of Customs Apapa port Command, AC Fanyan, and Chief Superintendent of Customs, CSC, A.E. Ibrahim.
The session was designed to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure that stakeholders are aligned with the evolving digital Customs operations.
The B’Odogwu platform, first introduced at the PTML Command, has undergone significant improvements despite initial implementation challenges. According to CSC Ibrahim, the platform is designed to enhance trade facilitation, one of the core values of Customs administration worldwide. “When trade is facilitated, revenue improves. This is why we’re keen on ensuring that all stakeholders, especially freight forwarders, fully understand how to work with the system,” he added.
The B’Odogwu platform is a unified Customs management system that integrates all stakeholders into a single, unified Customs process.
“The platform is designed to provide a seamless and efficient customs experience, reducing paperwork and increasing transparency. With the B’Odogwu platform, freight forwarders can easily navigate the Customs process, from declaration to payment and examination”
The training session, which featured demonstrations and simplified explanations, was led by Assistant Superintendent of Customs 1 K.S. Hussein, with assistance from other team members, including A.C. Fayan and A.S.C. 2 MZ Usman. Participants were introduced to the structure and function of the “behavior microgrid” within the digital platform, which is designed to integrate all stakeholders into a single, unified customs process.
During the training, participants were taken through the various modules of the B’Odogwu platform, including declaration, payment, and examination. The Customs team provided clear explanations of technical terms and procedures, clarifying concepts such as “registered” and reassuring members that the platform is designed to facilitate seamless customs operations.
During the question and answer session, NAGAFF members asked questions on technical terms and procedures for navigating the Odogwu platform. The customs team, led by Assistant Comptroller Fanyan and Chief Superintendent of Customs AE Ibrahim, provided clear explanations, addressing concerns and clarifying doubts.
NAGAFF members expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service for the initiative and pledged to utilize the knowledge gained to boost compliance and efficiency in their operations. The training, they noted, has equipped them with the necessary skills to navigate the B’Odogwu platform with ease, reducing errors and increasing productivity.
News points 247 online reports that this initiative is part of the Customs Service’s broader strategy to strengthen stakeholder engagement and modernize Customs operations through technology. The Nigeria Customs Service is committed to providing a seamless and efficient Customs experience, and the B’Odogwu platform is a key component of this strategy.
