Hon. Ibrahim Tanko Commends Customs Over Improved B-Odogwu Platform Performance
Hon. Ibrahim Tanko Commends Customs Over Improved B-Odogwu Platform Performance
Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, National Coordinator NAGAFF % Compliance Team
By Frank Odinukaeze
In what appears to be a major turnaround from earlier criticism, Hon. Ibrahim Tanko, National Coordinator of the 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), has publicly commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its recent improvements on the B-Odogwu customs transaction platform.
Tanko, who had been vocal about the initial teething problems that plagued the transition from the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System II (NICIS II) to the indigenous B-Odogwu platform, described the system’s stabilization as “wonderful” and a “commendable feat.”
According to him, while the early phase of the rollout was fraught with frustrating delays and technical hitches, the Customs Service, under the leadership of Comptroller General Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, remained focused and committed to fine-tuning the system.
“I was in the forefront of the protests against the frustrating delays occasioned by the transition from NICCIS to B-Odogwu. I couldn’t stomach the hiccups,” Tanko stated. “But unknown to us, a deep introspection and perfect fine-tuning was going on behind the scenes.”
Tanko revealed that he used his own cargo consignments—16 containers, to be precise—as a litmus test for the platform. Initially, he experienced weeks of delay and rising demurrage due to inability to transmit documents across systems. However, with recent updates and policy shifts, including the approval granted by the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of Tariff and Trade (T/T) for Area Commands to approve Form M for direct B-Odogwu transmission, the situation drastically improved.
“As soon as I transmitted my Form M, the PAAR was issued in less than 24 hours,” he noted.
He praised the Customs Comptroller General for his visionary leadership and patriotic push to indigenize Nigeria’s customs transaction platform. Describing Dr. Adeniyi as a “true professional,” Tanko called on other freight forwarders and importers to exercise patience and support the platform’s growth.
“Good things do not come easy,” he added. “I urge my colleagues to show utmost restraint. The platform is now on stream and working.”
The B-Odogwu platform was introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service as part of ongoing efforts to localize and digitize customs processes, reduce reliance on foreign service providers, and improve trade facilitation.
