NCS PORT HARCOURT II COMMAND UNVEILS B’ODOGWU FOR ENHANCED EFFICIENCY
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Port Harcourt II Command has launched its new indigenous technology, the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu. This significant move aims to enhance trade efficiency and boost revenue collection. According to the Command’s spokesperson, CSC Theophilus Duniya, the technology is designed to modernize customs operations and was officially deployed at the Area II Command to further the Service’s drive towards automation, compliance, and trade facilitation.
The introduction of B’Odogwu is part of the NCS’s efforts to leverage technology for improved service delivery, as seen in its previous initiatives such as the Asycuda World system, which has streamlined customs processes and enhanced data management. The successful implementation of UCMS is expected to further consolidate these gains and drive economic growth.
During the deployment ceremony, Customs Area Controller Comptroller Mohammed Babandede emphasized the importance of embracing innovation. He stated that it is crucial for the Command to align with the Service’s efforts to fully automate its services, thereby improving efficiency, enhancing compliance, and optimizing revenue collection.
A milestone was marked in the use of the new Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, with the successful processing and release of the first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) on the platform, bearing reference number C1202505PN. The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, hailed this development as a “giant stride” made possible under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
Comptroller Babandede emphasized the importance of embracing innovation, stating that aligning with the Service’s automation efforts would improve efficiency, enhance compliance, and optimize revenue collection. This development underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to leveraging technology for improved service delivery.
“This technology facilitates efficient and timely clearance of goods; thereby, reducing delays and costs for businesses,” he added.
The deployment was witnessed by both Customs officers and stakeholders. One of the agents present, Mr. Iroegbu Samuel, expressed satisfaction with the platform, citing its speed and simplicity.
“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 much different from the NICISS platform. However, it is more flexible,” he said.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, urged stakeholders and the public to embrace the B’Odogwu system, assuring them of its efficiency and the Service’s commitment to revolutionizing Customs operations nationwide
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