By Bon Peters
The Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has declared that the newly introduced indigenous customs management system, known as B’Odogwu, has come to stay, described it as a revolutionary solution to challenges faced in Nigeria’s port operations.
Comptroller Onyeka made this assertion during a media parley with maritime journalists held over the weekend at the Command’s headquarters in Lagos.
Highlighting the shortcomings of the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS), the customs boss said B’Odogwu was designed and implemented solely by Nigerian ICT professionals to address critical gaps left by the foreign-dominated NICIS platform.
“B’Odogwu is our pride. It is a Customs-created solution meant to drive trade consultations and ensure seamless clearance processes. We’re addressing issues before they even arise. It’s not perfect, but we’ve solved over 90% of the problems we inherited,” Onyeka stated.
The Comptroller noted that the new system aims to streamline cargo clearance procedures and reduce the time it takes to release containers, adding that it ensures greater transparency, real-time monitoring, and enhanced accountability.
“When I assumed duty here nearly six months ago, I discovered several bottlenecks militating against trade facilitation such as multiple alerts and post-clearance stoppages by the compliance team. I’m happy to announce that those multiple alerts are now a thing of the past at Tincan Island Port,” he added.
He credited these improvements to the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose innovation, vision, and stakeholder-centered approach, he said, have transformed the Nigeria Customs Service in terms of revenue generation, anti-smuggling, trade facilitation, and public engagement.
“I must commend the CGC for his bold leadership. His focus on home-grown solutions like B’Odogwu is positioning Customs as a truly modern and responsive organization,” Onyeka noted.
Reinforcing the significance of media collaboration, Onyeka said the Customs Service holds the media in high regard, recognizing its role in shaping public discourse and providing feedback that informs reform.
“I am here today not to target the media but to celebrate you. Your reportage, thought-provoking headlines, and consistent engagement have helped shape our operations. Many of the reforms we’ve implemented came from your constructive criticism,” he remarked.
Also speaking at the event, Assistant Comptroller Abass Oyindamola, who is the project manager of B’Odogwu, provided technical insight into the platform’s capabilities. He said the solution was built to provide real-time responses to trade-related problems, noting that it is reducing delays and cutting down costs due to demurrage.
“The narrative that every port delay is caused by Customs is no longer tenable. B’Odogwu enables faster processing, greater transparency, and full accountability. Our ICT unit is fully in charge, and our officers have embraced this digital transformation,” he affirmed.
In a goodwill message, veteran maritime journalist and publisher, Elder Asu Beks, described Comptroller Onyeka as a “Digital CAC,” applauded his innovative approach and commitment to inclusiveness.
“This is a CAC that listens, acts, and leads with empathy. He brings stakeholders together and makes collaboration the cornerstone of his leadership style. I’ve covered this beat for decades, and this is truly unprecedented,” he said.
The interactive session was attended by maritime publishers, correspondents, media executives, port stakeholders, and officers and men of the Tincan Island Customs Area Command.
