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Apapa Customs Sees Huge Collection on Unified Management System
By prince Benson Davies
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu of the Apapa Port Command has reassured stakeholders that the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System will soon pick up and surpass user expectations. Following intense stakeholder engagements led by Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Apapa Command has collected a whopping ₦161,258,483,474.63 in just three weeks using the B’Odogwu platform. Comptroller Olomu highlights prospects of improvement in the system, aligning with the Nigeria Customs Service’s efforts to modernize operations and enhance trade facilitation.
While commending stakeholders for their patience and understanding with the NCS particular those in Apapa Command, the Area Controller disclosed that between August 1 and 22, 2025 the command collected ₦161, 258,483,474.63( one hundred and sixty one billion, four hundred and eighty three thousand, seven hundred and seventy four naira, sixty three kobo) using the B’Odogwu system
He expressed optimism in the capability of the B’Odogwu platform facilitating more trade than previous ICT systems hitherto deployed by the NCS and that the stakeholders’ patience will not be in vain. He stated further that the dedicated ICT department of the service has been working round the clock to achieve a permanent solution to the impasse.
Describing Apapa Command as a critical and strategic area for the realisation of the NCS goals, Comptroller Olomu said the CGC has initiated and sustained dialogue with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council with a view to ameliorate the effects of recent downtime experienced in the course of their transactions.
The stakeholders’ engagements have also cascaded to the command level with the Zonal Coordinator, Charles Orbih physically present at Apapa Command to address the concerns of importers, licensed customs agents and freight forwarding companies.
“I am pleased with the maturity, patience, understanding and support we have received from our stakeholders in the past and most recent times. Their confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service ability to overcome and resolve all network glitches is not misplaced. It further underscores our shared values as patriotic Nigerians who want to see our homegrown ICT initiative thrive”.
“Let me restate that the CGC is deeply concerned and persistently overseeing the solution process while interfacing with sister government agencies like the Nigerian Shippers Council to mediate the process of demurrage waivers with terminal operators and shipping companies.”
“Beyond the usual Monday to Friday work, I have directed our officers to work extra hours and weekends to fasten the process of clearing the backlog of undone jobs and reduce delays associated with conventional closing periods” Comptroller Olomu said.
