Nigeria Customs Launches Indigenous “B-Odogwu” System to Revolutionize Trade Processing
Locally developed platform aims to streamline operations, boost transparency
In a major push for digital transformation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially launched B-Odogwu, a homegrown digital platform designed to modernize trade facilitation and compliance across the country.
A New Era for Trade Efficiency
Comptroller Dalhat Abubakar of the Kano/Jigawa Command unveiled the system on Tuesday, hailing it as a safer, faster, and wholly indigenous solution developed by the NCS to simplify transactions for stakeholders, including shippers, terminal operators, and traders.
“The introduction of the B-Odogwu system marks a significant step toward achieving a single national entry window and promoting transparency in trade facilitation,” Abubakar declared.
Key Features & Benefits
The new platform promises to address long-standing bottlenecks in Nigeria’s trade ecosystem with:
✔ Faster processing & reduced downtime – Minimizing delays in cargo clearance
✔ Enhanced reliability & transparency – Reducing opportunities for corruption
✔ Improved compliance – Streamlining documentation and reducing infractions
✔ Single national entry window – Unifying data movement for seamless operations
Strong Early Adoption
Since its soft launch in January 2025, the system has already processed over 16,000 declarations, signaling strong stakeholder engagement. The NCS has also begun large-scale training programs for terminal operators, licensed agents, and traders to ensure a smooth transition.
“The NCS has demonstrated competence and dedication in transitioning from service providers to this new, self-developed system,” Abubakar emphasized.
Why It Matters
The move aligns with the federal government’s push for digitization of critical sectors, reducing reliance on foreign software solutions. Analysts say B-Odogwu could:
- Cut smuggling risks through tighter tracking
- Boost revenue generation by plugging leakages
- Improve Nigeria’s ease of doing business ranking
Next Steps
The NCS plans a nationwide rollout in Q2 2025, with special support centers to assist users. Stakeholders have largely welcomed the initiative, though some urge robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive trade data.
