Comptroller Frank Onyeka Hosts Historic Media Luncheon, Hails Homegrown Customs Innovation – B-Odogwu

Comptroller Frank Onyeka Hosts Historic Media Luncheon, Hails Homegrown Customs Innovation – B-Odogwu

 Pace setter,Comptroller Frank Onyeka,CAC,Tin Can Customs Command 

By Frank Odinukaeze

In an unprecedented move signaling a new era of transparency and media engagement within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Tin Can Island Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, on Friday hosted a landmark “Lunchtime with the Media.”
The event, held at the Command Headquarters, marked the first time in the history of the Command that such an informal and engaging forum has been organized between a sitting CAC and members of the press.

Welcoming a cross-section of journalists, customs officers, media executives, and stakeholders, Comptroller Onyeka expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the media since assuming office last year as Deputy Comptroller — a rare feat in the Command’s tradition.

Assistant Comptroller,Abass Oyindamola, project manager,B+ Odogwu

“I am here today not to target the media but to celebrate you. Your reportage, your thought-provoking headlines, and your engagements have helped shape our actions and successes. Many of the reforms and issues we addressed stemmed directly from your feedback,” he said.

One of the key highlights of the session was the official introduction of a new indigenous innovation: B-Odogwu, a fully homegrown digital platform designed by the Nigeria Customs Service to revolutionize cargo clearance and trade facilitation at the ports.

Comptroller Onyeka described B-Odogwu as a locally engineered response to the inefficiencies of the NICIS platform, noting that it was conceived, developed, and managed entirely by Nigerian Customs ICT professionals without international input.

Elder Asubeks speaking at the event ,on Friday,at Tin Can Customs Command

“B-Odogwu is our pride. It is a Customs-created solution meant to drive trade consultations and ensure seamless clearance processes. We’re addressing issues before they even arise. It’s not perfect, but we’ve solved over 90% of the problems we inherited,” he explained.

Project Manager of B-Odogwu and Assistant Comptroller Abbas Oyindamola, who joined Onyeka in addressing the media, emphasized that the new platform would provide real-time solutions to trade-related bottlenecks and help reduce delays that lead to demurrage charges at terminals.

“The narrative that every delay at the port is caused by Customs is no longer tenable. B-Odogwu enables faster processing, transparency, and accountability. Our ICT unit is fully involved, and our officers have embraced this digital transformation,” Abbas added.

The event also offered a platform for reflection and commendation, as veteran journalist and media elder, Elder Asubeks, lauded Comptroller Onyeka’s “inspirational leadership,” praising his inclusive, transparent, and problem-solving approach.

“This is a CAC that listens, acts, and leads with empathy. He brings stakeholders together and makes collaboration a core of his strategy. I have covered this beat for years and I’ve never seen anything like this,” Asubeks said.

The luncheon was attended by representatives from major media houses, port stakeholders, senior customs officers, and special guests from across the maritime sector. Comptroller Onyeka, known among colleagues as the “Digital CAC,” reiterated his commitment to deepening stakeholder engagement, strengthening operational efficiency, and promoting indigenous innovation.

“There is nothing we can do successfully in Customs without the collaboration of the media. That’s why today’s meeting matters. We’re not just eating; we are building trust,” he said.

As the event drew to a close, attendees expressed appreciation for the Command’s openness and the opportunity to ask direct questions in an informal setting, calling the luncheon a new standard for leadership in Customs operations.By this singular initiative by the Tin Can Customs Command,ably led by humble, very personable,and charismatic personality, Comptroller Frank Onyeka,has set a historical record worthy of emulaton.