By Emamuzo Iboma
To reinforce the advantages of its newly introduced Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), known as B’odogwu, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has started engaging with important stakeholders. This process began with a virtual meeting with Access Bank officials on Monday, April 14, 2025.
During this meeting, the discussion centered on aligning operational strategies and boosting cooperation between Customs and the banking sector. Important topics included smooth payment integration, improved data sharing, and real-time processing of trade transactions through the B’odogwu platform.
The Customs team was led by Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs for ICT and Modernization, Kikelomo Adeola, who was joined by Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS National Public Relations Officer, and Assistant Comptroller Bukola Omoniyi from the ICT/Modernization Department.
B’odogwu: A Significant Change in Customs Operations
DCG Adeola praised B’odogwu as a groundbreaking innovation in Nigeria’s shift towards digital trade processes. She explained that the platform is a locally developed solution that has simplified Customs procedures, automated declarations, and allowed for real-time monitoring of trade.
“This platform represents a crucial step in our modernization journey,” she stated. “Our next focus is to ensure complete integration with banks like Access Bank to fully realize B’odogwu’s potential in enhancing transparency, automation, and efficiency in trade.”
She emphasized the importance of ongoing engagement with stakeholders during this post-launch phase, as the NCS aims to establish a fully digital and globally connected trade environment.
Access Bank Supports Customs Modernization Efforts
Representing Access Bank, Olatunbosun Oladunke, Head of Global Trade, affirmed the bank’s strong support for the Customs modernization project, calling B’odogwu “a groundbreaking advancement in trade facilitation.”
Access Bank Supports Customs Modernization Efforts
Olatunbosun Oladunke, the Head of Global Trade at Access Bank, spoke on behalf of the bank, emphasizing its strong support for the Customs modernization initiative. He referred to B’odogwu as “a groundbreaking step in improving trade.”
“Access Bank is fully committed to this vision,” Oladunke stated. “We are focused on making trade finance and payment automation work seamlessly together.”
Olakunle Aderinokun, who leads Media and Public Relations at Access Holdings/Access Bank, also shared insights on the necessity of clear communication and stakeholder involvement for the successful adoption of new systems.
“Engaging the public is crucial for any major reform to succeed. We will work alongside the NCS to raise awareness and inform stakeholders about the advantages that B’odogwu offers to Nigeria’s trade landscape,” Aderinokun remarked.
Building Nigeria’s Future in Trade
This initiative is part of the NCS’s larger plan to speed up its trade modernization efforts through technology, teamwork, and key partnerships.
With B’odogwu fully operational, the NCS is making great strides towards a digital Customs system that improves transparency, boosts revenue, and fosters economic growth in the country.
“This is not just about launching new software; it’s about completely changing the way we trade in Nigeria,” concluded DCG Adeola. “We are creating a Customs system that is smart, efficient, and competitive on a global scale.”
