Nigeria Customs Service Expands B’Odogwu Platform to Apapa Port: First SGD Processed Marks New Milestone
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a significant step forward in its efforts to streamline cargo clearance processes by expanding the B’Odogwu unified trade portal to the Apapa Area Command in Lagos. This expansion, which went live on May 9, 2025, marks the processing of the first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) on the platform at Apapa Port, one of Nigeria’s busiest ports.
This development builds on the platform’s initial launch at the PTML terminal command, further enhancing efficiency and reducing operational challenges for stakeholders involved in Nigerian imports and exports.
The B’Odogwu Platform: A Game-Changer
The B’Odogwu platform, initially launched at the PTML terminal command, represents a leap forward in Nigeria’s customs clearance procedures. Equipped with advanced features designed to reduce processing time and make cargo clearance seamless, the platform is now fully operational at Apapa Port. Handling approximately 400 to 500 declarations daily, Apapa Command is at the forefront of trade facilitation and revenue generation, and the introduction of B’Odogwu is expected to significantly enhance its capabilities for clearing goods and cargos in Nigeria.
First SGD Processed: A Milestone Achieved
The successful processing of the first SGD on May 9, 2025, is a testament to the platform’s readiness and the NCS’s commitment to modernizing its operations.
This achievement comes after months of rigorous testing and refinement to address Nigeria’s unique operational challenges. The B’Odogwu platform’s ability to handle the complexities of the Nigerian trade environment underscores its potential to revolutionize the customs clearance process, particularly for clearing general goods and containerized cargos at Apapa Port.
Stakeholder Engagement and Training
Recognizing the importance of stakeholder buy-in, the NCS has prioritized training and sensitization efforts. Customs brokers, importers, and other key players, including clearing and freight forwarding agents in Nigeria, have received hands-on training on the B’Odogwu system to ensure a smooth transition and adoption.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Customs Area Controller at Apapa Command, emphasized the ongoing commitment to stakeholder education, stating that more sensitization programs will continue until all users are fully acquainted with the platform.
Benefits for the Trade Community
The B’Odogwu platform offers numerous benefits to the trade community, including:
Reduced Processing Time: By automating many aspects of the clearance process, B’Odogwu significantly cuts down the time required to process declarations and to generate customs assessments.
Enhanced Transparency: The platform provides a clear, traceable process for all transactions, reducing the potential for errors and disputes.
Improved Efficiency: Stakeholders can now access a full range of resources and standardized services through a single portal, simplifying interactions with different government agencies.
Cost Savings: Faster clearance times and reduced bureaucratic hurdles translate to lower costs for importers and exporters.
Stakeholder Reactions
Stakeholders have expressed optimism about the platform’s potential. Olanrewaju Oyebanjo, a stakeholder and representative of the Nigerian clearing agents, highlighted the platform’s user-friendly interface and the comprehensive training provided by the NCS. “The B’Odogwu system is a welcome development. It addresses many of the pain points we face in the clearance process,” Oyebanjo noted.
Other stakeholders, including those involved in international freight forwarding and global cargo solutions, echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that the platform will lead to more efficient and reliable trade operations.
Looking Ahead
The expansion of the B’Odogwu platform to Apapa Port is just the beginning. The NCS plans to further integrate the system across other commands, ensuring a unified approach to trade facilitation. As the platform matures, it is expected to play a crucial role in Nigeria’s efforts to improve its Ease of Doing Business and attract more foreign investment.
The Nigeria Customs Service’s expansion of the B’Odogwu platform to Apapa Port marks a significant advancement in the country’s customs operations. By processing the first SGD and engaging stakeholders through comprehensive training, the NCS has laid a strong foundation for a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly clearance process. Stay informed with the latest trade insights on the clearcargonigeria-blog, packed with tips for navigating Nigerian imports and exports. Request a quote today and experience seamless customs clearance with clearcargonigeria, the leading clearing agent in Nigeria.
