The Nigeria Customs Service Area 11 Command in Onne, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has implemented the indigenous technology called the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) or B’Odogwu.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Theophilus P Duniya, in a statement on Tuesday, said the system was adopted “in its continuous quest to modernize customs operations, enhance compliance and facilitate trade.”
Speaking on the development, the Customs Area Controller of the command, Mr Mohammed Babandede, said, “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.”
“Today we are witnesses of the first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) released on the Bódogwu platform with reference number C1202505PN,” he added.
Mr Babandede described the feat as another giant stride achieved by the agency under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, as he insisted that the technology would facilitate efficient and timely clearance of goods; thereby, reducing delays and costs for businesses.
Both officers and some stakeholders witnessed the historic release of the SGD on the indigenously developed platform which has been described as a game changer for trade efficiency and revenue collection.
Reacting to the process, the agent, Mr Iroegbu Samuel, attested to the numerous advantages the B’ Odgwu has, over Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICISS II).
“From my experience going through the process, from the capturing to the release, was very short and fast,” he noted, admonishing that people should not entertain any fear or doubt because “it’s not far different from the NICISS platform. However, it is more flexible.”
He urged stakeholders to “key into the B’Odogwu’s technology to experience its benefits, and also join the Service in its quest to transform Customs operations in Nigeria..”