By BON PETERS, Port Harcourt

The Nigeria Customs Service Area 11 Command, Onne, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, says it has launched B'Odogwu, an indigenous technology called the Unified Customs Management System for modernization of Customs operations, enhance compliance and facilitate trade.

This was contained in a press release made available to our correspondent, Tuesday in Port Harcourt by the Command's Public Relations Officer, Theophilus P. Duniya.

The statement noted that "the Nigeria Customs Service in its continuous quest to modernize Customs operations, enhance compliance and facilitate trade, developed and introduced an indigenous technology called the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) also known as B'Odogwu."

The historic indigenous technology was deployed Tuesday in Port Harcourt at Customs Area 11 Command Onne, with the aim to achieve the expected desired results.

Speaking on the development, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, stated, “It is imperative for the Command to key into the Service’s efforts to fully automate its services to improve efficiency, enhance compliance and optimize revenue collection.”

The Onne customs boss added “Today we are witnesses of the first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) released on the Bódogwu platform with reference number C1202505PN."

He described the feat as another giant stride achieved by the Service under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR even as he insisted that the technology would facilitate efficient and timely clearance of goods; thereby, reducing delays and costs for businesses.

Both officers and some stakeholders witnessed the historic release of the SGD on the indigenously developed platform which has been described as a game changer for trade efficiency and revenue collection.

Reacting to the process, the agent, Mr. Iroegbu Samuel attested to the numerous advantages the B' Odgwu has, over Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICISS II).

He noted: “From my experience going through the process, from the capturing to the release, was very short and fast."

He then admonished that People should not entertain any fear or doubt because "it’s not far different from the NICISS platform. However, it is more flexible”. He maintained.

Therefore, "the Customs Area Controller invites stakeholders and the general public to key into the B'Odogwu’s technology to experience its benefits, and also join the Service in its quest to transform Customs operations in Nigeria," the statement concluded.