The Onne Area II Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in its continuous quest to modernize Customs operations, enhance compliance and facilitate trade, has developed and introduced an indigenous technology called the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu.
The historic indigenous technology, according to a press release by Theophilus P. Duniya,
Command’s Public Relations Officer, was deployed in Port Harcourt II Customs Area Command of the Service, to achieve the expected desired results.
Comptroller Mohammed Babandede in his remarks, according to the press release 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. This is another giant stride achieved by the Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“This technology facilitates efficient and timely clearance of goods; thereby, reducing delays and costs for businesses,” CAC Babandede stated.
However, both officers and some stakeholders witnessed the historic release of the SGD on the indigenously developed platform.
Responding to the process, a freight forwarder, Mr. Iroegbu Samuel attested to the numerous advantages that the B’Odogwu has over Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICISS II).
In his words: “From my experience going through the process, from the capturing to the release, was very short and fast. People should not entertain any fear or doubt because it’s not far different from the NICISS platform. However, it is more flexible,” Mr. Iroegbu assured.
The CAC in the meantime, urged stakeholders and the general public to key into the B’Odogwu technology to experience its benefits, and also join the Service in its quest to transform Customs operations in Nigeria.
