The Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt Area II Command has launched an indigenous technology called the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, which was introduced by the service.
The service had launched B’Odogwu, a game changer for trade efficiency and revenue collection in its continuous quest to modernize its operations, enhance compliance and facilitate trade.
In a statement signed on Tuesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Theophilus P. Duniya, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede said it’s imperative for the Command to key into the Service’s efforts to fully automate its services to improve efficiency, enhance compliance and optimize revenue collection.
He said “Today we are witnesses of the first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) released on the Bódogwu platform with reference number C1202505PN. This is another giant stride achieved by the Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi”.
He noted that that the technology facilitates efficient and timely clearance of goods; thereby, reducing delays and costs for businesses.
Customs officers and some key stakeholders witnessed the historic release of the SGD on the indigenously developed platform.
In a reaction, an agent, Mr Iroegbu Samuel attested to the numerous advantages the B’Odogwu has over Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICISS II).
“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 far different from the NICISS platform. However, it is more flexible”, Samuel said.
The Controller urged stakeholders and the general public to key into the B’Odogwu’s technology to experience its benefits, even as he called on the public to cooperate with the customs in its quest to transform its operations.
