B’Odogwu Platform: Excitement, as TinCan Customs Captures First SGD … Comptroller Onyeka Assures of Commitment to Transparent, Efficient Cargo Operations

B’Odogwu Platform: Excitement, as TinCan Customs Captures First SGD

… Comptroller Onyeka Assures of Commitment to Transparent, Efficient Cargo Operations

Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka, CAC, TinCan Port Command, NCS

B’Odogwu, the new Customs Modernisation Operational Platform, has at last berthed at the second largest revenue collection command, TinCan Island Port of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), as the first SGD implementation is captured amidst excitement of better times ahead for the command and service.

As contained in a press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer SC OE Ivara, the Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully processed its first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) using the indigenously developed B’Odogwu platform.

The exercise, which symbolizes a landmark development for Nigeria’s maritime sector, took place on Monday, May 12, 2025, and marked a significant step in trade facilitation, transparency, and operational efficiency at one of the country’s busiest Seaports.

However, the successful deployment and processing of the inaugural SGD on the B’Odogwu platform reflect the Customs Service’s ongoing commitment to digital transformation, in line with the Federal Government’s drive to enhance ease of doing business.

Meanwhile, speaking at the historic moment, the hardworking Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Frank Okechukwu Onyeka under whose watch the inaugural SGD on B’Odogwu platform was conceptualized at the command, said: “This achievement demonstrates our readiness to embrace technology that streamlines cargo clearance procedures, reduces dwell time, and improves service delivery. The B’Odogwu platform has shown great promise, and we are proud to be pioneers in its implementation.”

Furthermore, Comptroller Onyeka highlighted that the Command has achieved 100% network infrastructure coverage across all terminals and the Command’s headquarters, as he emphasized that the problem of network failure is now a thing of the past, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient processing of cargo and trade documentation.

Again in his words, “The B’Odogwu platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Customs systems, providing a user-friendly interface for declarants, brokers, and other stakeholders. It enhances cargo tracking, document processing, and compliance management in real-time, reducing manual bottlenecks and opportunities for delays,” he said.

Onyeka further noted that the launch was preceded by a series of extensive training sessions and stakeholder engagements organized by the Command, in collaboration with system developers. Key industry participants-including shipping lines, customs licensed agents, terminal operators, and customs officers-took part in these capacity-building initiatives.

He also said that, the training sessions were designed to ensure the seamless adoption of the new platform and covered critical areas such as system navigation, document processing, cargo tracking, and compliance protocols.

Meanwhile, industry stakeholders, which include SteveJosh Logistics International limited whose declaration was the first to be captured on the new platform, welcomed the innovation, expressing optimism that the new platform will reduce transaction costs and improve Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.

The statement however said that, the TinCan Island Port Command remains committed to embracing technological advancements that support the nation’s economic growth and international trade agenda.