By Femi Anamelechi
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigerian Customs Service as part of the sensitization and preparation for the deployment of B’Odogwu platform organized a two day training session for Stakeholders, clearing agents, importers operating at the command on the use of the platform. The sensitization session was held on February 19th and 20th 2025 at the Commands’ headquarters in Lagos.The training is basically to build capacity for Stakeholders and importers with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate the B’Odogwu appications, facilitate trade and enhance cargo clearance Stakeholders, importers and Exporters were taken through the platform’s features, functionalities, and operational procedures. One of the resource officers, Assistant Controller C. Nwachkuwu took the stakeholders on key aspects of the B’Odogu appications, including the processing of Form ‘M’ and the Pre – Arrival Assessment Report ( PAAR).Assistant Controller C Nwachukw said that stakeholders must be onboarded on the B’Odogwu application and possess valid licenses to access the platform she therefore urged the stakeholders/ Agents to comply with the registrations of B’ Odogu as soon as the digital platform becomes operational. Speaking further on the benefits of the B’Odogwu platform, the Assistant controller, said “this will mark the end of the era of processing of PAAR and Form ‘M’ at the banks as declarant, to make your declaration, you have your work space on the B’Odogwu application, you can also process your PAAR and Form M on the platform so gradually, the era of going to bank to process your PAAR and form M is phasing out with the deployment of B’Odogwu”.
She pointed out “that Stakeholders must have valid license to function on B’Odogwu otherwise it will not be visible for traders/ importers to select you for a job.”Apapa Area Customs Command Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, who was represented by Deputy Controller in charge of Administration, DC Henry Eromode, emphasized the importance of the training. He pointed out that the command decided to organize the training because it is very important to keep stakeholders enlightened on the platform’s features. He urged participants at the two day Training to listen attentively to ensure a smooth transition to the new system. “The importance of training cannot be relegated because for a system that is new, we need to have you kept abreast of some of the features of the system, which is a transition from the old one, which is NICIS. “As customs representative, listen to the B’Odogwu team, ask pertinent questions so that when they are no longer here, you will be able to remember what you learn and apply them.DC Henry Eronode said “We know the pilot project of the B’Odogwu has taken off in PTML and so in preparation for the launch here in Apapa, it has become imperative that a training session is organized for stakeholders and officers of the command. “The B’Odogwu team started with officers training some days ago but today is the turn of clearing agents, importers and exporters within Apapa Area command.”
He reiterated that the introduction of the B’Odogwu applications training is part of the NCS ‘s efforts to modernize it’s operations and improve trade facilitation. B’Odogwu applications has integrated key stakeholders including terminal operators and over 20 banks as part of efforts by Nigeria Customs Service towards the enhancement and facilitation of trade/ seamless customs clearance at the ports AC Anyaeggbulam On second day of the training session trained Stakeholders, importers and Exporteron trade facilitation processes and functional features with SC. Abdullah taking them on Declarant process es of the robust B’Odogwu. The two day training session witnessed large attendance by stakeholders, importers and exporters who expressed delight and gratitude to Apapa Area Customs Command.
