Customs integrates 25 banks into platform to facilitate transactions, ports clearance

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command has said it is integrating 25 banks into the B’Odogwu, its indigenous payment and clearing platform, to address the delay in transactions for agents and address teething challenges facing the trade portal.

The Customs Area Controller of the command, Tenny Daniyan, while addressing journalists yesterday, outlined the platform’s significance and hurdles faced since its launch on October 23, 2024.

He said the transition from the previous service provider, Webb Fontaine’s Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NISIS), to the B’Odogwu, has not been without setbacks.

Daniyan revealed that Webb Fontaine disconnected PTML from NISIS, creating issues for agents, which effectively compelled the command to expedite B’Odogwu’s implementation.

“This resistance shows that we are disrupting the status quo. If you are not facing opposition, you’re not making an impact. Despite initial teething problems, we remain undeterred. The implementation of B’Odogwu signifies a major leap in modernising customs operations and boosting national revenue.

“We have engaged extensively with banks, and many have resolved their internal processes. By tomorrow, we expect seamless operations involving 25 banks,” Daniyan assured stakeholders.

He pointed out that stakeholder engagement has also posed a challenge, with some agents and stakeholders slow to adopt the new system, adding that recent progress has seen increased registrations and buy-in from key players.

Daniyan drew an analogy to the resilience of the United States space programme, comparing B’Odogwu’s challenges to the setbacks faced during the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy.

“Setbacks are a part of innovation. If the U.S. didn’t stop going to space, we would not stop implementing B’Odogwu. This is Nigeria’s future, and it will succeed,” he affirmed.

Daniyan said the transformative impact of the B’Odogwu platform on the command’s operations, disclosing that the command generated over N44 billion in October 2024 and surpassed the figure in the first week of November, marking a significant increase in revenue collection.

He said the indigenous platform has not only diversified the flow of shipments to the terminals but also introduced new revenue streams by facilitating trade with regions such as China.

He said the rollout of the platform saw its first transaction on October 30, with a sum of N2.5 billion paid into customs coffers, while the second transaction recorded N3.03 billion.

Daniyan emphasised that the platform has been instrumental in creating an efficient system that encourages more traders and importers to use the PTML terminal.

The controller also addressed concerns about cargo clearance delays, reaffirming the command’s commitment to maintaining a two-hour turnaround time for roll-on/roll-off cargo.