In a renewed push to consolidate its trade digitalisation agenda, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deepened its collaboration with Access Bank following the successful deployment of its Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), codenamed B’odogwu.
During a virtual strategic meeting held on Monday, April 14, 2025, key officials from both organisations met to align operational frameworks and explore avenues for seamless financial and trade integration through the B’odogwu platform.
The session was led by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, alongside the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, and Assistant Comptroller Bukola Omoniyi from the ICT/Modernisation Department.
Speaking at the meeting, DCG Adeola emphasised that the B’odogwu platform, developed as an indigenous digital solution, has already transformed Customs operations through unified procedures, automated declarations, and real-time transaction monitoring.
“The deployment of B’odogwu marks a new era in Customs administration,” she said. “Our next priority is to strengthen partnerships with financial institutions like Access Bank to fully unlock the platform’s potential for automation, transparency, and trade efficiency.”
She stressed that optimal system performance requires full stakeholder integration, highlighting the engagement with Access Bank as both timely and strategic.
Responding on behalf of Access Bank, Olatunbosun Oladunke, Head of Global Trade, expressed confidence in the NCS’s digital direction and reaffirmed the bank’s readiness to align with the evolving trade ecosystem.
“The B’odogwu platform represents a major leap in digital trade processing,” Oladunke stated. “Access Bank is fully aligned with the NCS vision and is committed to ensuring system compatibility—especially in trade finance and payment automation.”
Also speaking at the meeting, Olakunle Aderinokun, Head of Media and Public Relations at Access Holdings/Access Bank, underscored the importance of public awareness and stakeholder education to ensure the reform’s success.
“Public buy-in is critical to the success of any reform. We will collaborate with the Service to drive awareness of B’odogwu and educate stakeholders on the value it brings to the trading ecosystem,” Aderinokun said.
The meeting is part of the NCS’s broader strategy to drive a fully digital and globally compliant Customs system by strengthening collaboration with financial institutions and other trade stakeholders.
With B’odogwu now operational nationwide, the NCS is moving steadily toward a more transparent, efficient, and integrated Customs architecture that supports Nigeria’s economic growth and aligns with global best practices.