Maritime Agencies
TRADE FACILITATION: Nigeria Customs Pre-Launches ‘B’Odogwu’ In Lagos.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled her strategic deployment of ‘B’Odogwu,’ a special trade modernization tool whose implementation is aimed at deepening efficient and effective trade processes across the board in line with international best practices.
The event which was attended by many stakeholders took place in Lagos, Monday, for the Apapa and Tincan Island ports.
The flag-off of a successful pilot stage of the ‘B’Odogwu’, it is recalled, took place at the PTML Command earlier in 2024, signaling a new dimension and a major shift in how cargo clearance and trade operations are conducted across the nation’s busiest seaports.
Speaking during the pre-launch and stakeholders’ engagement in Lagos, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, said the event was only a phase in the deployment process designed to climax to a full-scale launch of a carefully planned process in trade facilitation and other operational areas which must respond to the realities of the moment.
“It is a pre-launch, not a full launch, because we are deploying it at a bigger Command,” the CGC explained.
Emphasizing the importance of timing, the CGC stated that the move was part of the broader modernization agenda which has a collaborative engagement with industry stakeholders as an integral part.
The decision to conceptualize and develop B’Odogwu as a homegrown trade facilitation initiative, he clarified, became necessary in order to address long-standing inefficiencies and frustrations experienced under the previous Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS).
“The new company took into account the history of frustrations we have had with the NICIS. So, we decided to start over to develop a new system that would address all the delays and frustrations of the past. So, we came up with B’Odogwu, which is homegrown,” he said.
The Comptroller-General described B’Odogwu as a uniquely Nigerian initiative, with its name embodying the strength and leadership that the system aims to bring to customs operations.
”B’ stands for ‘Border,’ and ‘Odogwu’ signifies strength and leadership in African, particularly Nigerian, parlance,” Adeniyi explained.
He acknowledged that transiting to a new system of this magnitude would come with challenges but reassured stakeholders that the Customs is prepared to tackle any obstacles and challenges.
“A project of this magnitude would not be a walk in the park. We had some challenges during the pilot phase at PTML, we have addressed some and carried over some. We are not going to wait until all the challenges are solved, but with your cooperation, we will resolve all,” he told stakeholders present.
A major breakthrough in the deployment of B’Odogwu is its full integration with commercial banks for the processing of Form ‘M’—a critical requirement for import documentation and trade facilitation in Nigeria.
Adeniyi confirmed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all authorized dealer banks to integrate with the platform, ensuring seamless financial transactions for importers and exporters.
“At PTML, we have integrated CBN. The CBN boss, at a meeting with us recently, has instructed all authorized dealer banks to queue into B’Odogwu, and they would all be opening Form M for you,” he announced.
Additionally, he assured stakeholders that communication channels would remain open to provide regular updates on the system’s operation and address concerns as they arise.
In her comments, Kikelomo Adeola, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of IT and Modernization, restated that the system was reliable and efficient. She assured stakeholders that lessons from the PTML pilot phase are being applied to strengthen B’Odogwu’s functionality.
“We have resolved teething issues following B’Odogwu’s test-run at PTML as the pilot command. We have equally carried out training of agents, terminal operators, among others, on why the effective usage of the platform is crucial,” Adeola said.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following a keenly-contested election, Thursday, Oluyinka Onigbinde, Assistant Editor, Shipping Position Daily, emerged the new President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
Out of 33 votes, Onigbinde polled 20 while his closest rival, Rev John Iwori, had 13.
The election, which witnessed active participation by members of the association, also produced other executive officers to pilot the affairs of MARAN following the dissolution of the Tunde Ayodele-led Caretaker Committee. These are Sylvanus Obasi (Vice President), Fabian Anawo (Secretary) and Amina Ojelabi (Assistant Secretary). Others are Ruth Umunnna (Treasurer), Ambrose Okehi (Financial Secretary) and Providence Ayanfeoluwa (Public Relations Officer).
The new MARAN Executive during swearing-in by Mr Leye Ajayi, the Lagos NUJ Chairman.
Speaking after swearing in the officers, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman, Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), urged the newly-elected officers to conduct the affairs of the maritime journalists’ body with a deep sense of patriotism while promoting professionalism, welfare, and unity among members of the association.
Maritime Agencies
Anti-Smuggling Operations: FOU ‘A’ Customs Seizes N2.35bn Drugs, Pledges Hard Times for Smugglers.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In the past eight weeks, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja , Lagos, intercepted narcotics and contrabands valued at over N5.5billion, thus, posting a substantial breakthrough in the sustained efforts to deal with smuggling of illicit goods and unauthorized importations.
The FOU Zone ‘A’ Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Aliyu Gambo announced this in Lagos, Tuesday, during a press conference.
Beside cocaine worth ₦2.35 billion, large quantities of 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice equivalent of 15 trailers, petroleum products, used vehicles, and other prohibited goods were also displayed as confiscated.
During the period, he stated, the Unit carried out 473 successful interdictions, seizing 8,794 bags of 50kg foreign rice, 22 used vehicles, 328 bales of used clothing, 31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle valued at ₦119 million.
Also seized were 531 cartons of frozen poultry, 1,188 kegs of vegetable oil, 485 used tyres, and several cartons of spaghetti and sugar.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu revealed that operatives at the Gbaji Customs on Seme Road intercepted a 71-year-old suspect along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor with 6.35kg of cocaine concealed in a Toyota Highlander. The drugs, comprising powdered and crystalline variants, carry an estimated street value of ₦2.35 billion.
Under a special operation code-named Operation Hawk, the unit also seized 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as “Ghanaian loud,” weighing 1,540kg. The seized narcotics were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a formal handover ceremony during the briefing, for further investigation and prosecution.
The CAC who lamented the huge harm consumption of drugs inflicts on the Nigerian society regretted that today, many homes are broken.
”A lot of homes are broken due to drugs and the results of drug trafficking. Our mandate is to cut off the supply chain, and that is exactly what we are doing.”
He further unveiled four cylinders of mercury concealed in a vehicle along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, describing the hazardous substance as regulated under international conventions.
The unit also recovered ₦97.7 million through Demand Notices on under-declared consignments. He requested for stronger collaboration among security agencies to confront and overcome various strategies being applied by purveyors of illicit trade networks.
Commending the synergy between the NCS and the NDLEA, Narcotics Commander, Kabiru I, K. explained that this should send a strong signal to purveyors of illicit trade that the South-West corridor is under close surveillance.
Customs
Kaila, Seme Customs Boss, Pledges To Eradicate Trade Barriers, Visits Stakeholders To Create Awareness.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated a strong desire to ensure free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan international trade corridor by eradicating all negative factors involved. This it is implementing through effective collaboration and engagement with critical stakeholders.
This is contained in a release by the Command’s image maker, Superintendent of Customs J.T. Ayagbalo, on behalf of Comptroller Kaila, the Customs Area Controller.
While on a series of familiarization visits to the Palaces of traditional rulers and stations of heads of sister security agencies, the CAC announced that the step signifies a bold commitment to achieving the goals and objectives of the Service in line with the Federal government economic policies.
At the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, a highly recognized traditional ruler across the border communities and beyond.
””The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service. Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade and suppress smuggling. And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we cannot have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said.
In response, the King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, described Kaila as a son of the soil, added: “We have listened to your request. Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.
Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya where he signified his commitment to fostering the service’s relationship with residents living within the border communities
”I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required. In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he stated.
While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.
”I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need. Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your present here, things will change for the better, ” he said
In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, the controller visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry. The Air Force base formation expressed their readiness to always support the command in achieving its mandate. This was revealed by the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu, where he added that both agencies shared similar purposes.
”Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility. Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said
The Area Controller then ended his familiarization tour by seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.
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