By Ebenezer William

The Nigeria Customs Service in its continuous quest to modernize Customs operations, enhance compliance and facilitate trade, developed and introduced an indigenous technology called he Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) also known as B’Odogwu.

The historic indigenous technology is deployed today in Port Harcourt II Customs Area Command of the Service to achieve the expected desired results. Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, the Customs Area Controller of the Command in his remark stated, ‘’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 MFR. This technology facilitates 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. In a reaction to the process, the agent, Mr Iroegbu Samuel attested to the numerous advantages the Bódgwu has over the 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. People should not entertain any fear or doubt because it’s not far different from the NICISS platform. However, it is more flexible”.

The Customs Area Controller invites stakeholders and the general public 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.