By Bon Peters
LAGOS/Nigeria: The Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, has declared that the newly launched indigenous customs management platform, B’Odogwu, is here to stay—positioning it as a bold Nigerian response to the shortcomings of the foreign-controlled Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS).
Speaking at a weekend media parley with maritime journalists in Lagos, Comptroller Onyeka described B’Odogwu as a game-changer in cargo clearance efficiency, designed and managed entirely by Nigerian ICT professionals. “B’Odogwu is our pride. It’s a Customs-created solution meant to drive trade facilitation and ensure seamless clearance. We’ve resolved over 90% of inherited problems,” Onyeka said.
Highlighting recent reforms, Onyeka revealed that one of his first actions on assumption of duty six months ago was to tackle bottlenecks such as multiple alerts and the rechecking of already-cleared containers. “I’m happy to announce that multiple alerts are gone at Tincan Island Port,” he declared.
He praised the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his visionary leadership, crediting him with the service’s strides in revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, stakeholder engagement, and digital transformation. “What we’re achieving today is the result of leadership that listens, innovates, and empowers local capacity,” he said.
Assistant Comptroller Abass Oyindamola, Project Manager of B’Odogwu, explained that the platform offers real-time solutions to trade challenges and significantly reduces delays and demurrage. “The era of blaming Customs for every port delay is over. B’Odogwu ensures transparency, speed, and accountability,” he stated.
Veteran maritime journalist Elder AsuBeks, who spoke on behalf of the media, hailed Comptroller Onyeka as a “Digital CAC,” commending his openness, inclusive leadership, and unprecedented collaboration with the press. “He listens, acts, and leads with empathy. This event is historic and worthy of emulation,” AsuBeks said. The parley was attended by maritime publishers, media executives, stakeholders, and officers of the command.
