Apapa Customs Nets ₦215bn in August as “B’Odogwu” Platform Powers Trade Reform
Nigeria’s maritime trade gateway, the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has posted a remarkable ₦215 billion revenue haul in August 2025, riding on the back of its new Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) – popularly christened “B’Odogwu.”
Despite teething network challenges, the milestone underscores the platform’s potential to transform Nigeria’s customs operations into a truly homegrown, technology-driven trade ecosystem.
B’Odogwu: Nigeria’s Digital Trade Backbone in the Making
The UCMS, dubbed “B’Odogwu” by port users, represents the boldest attempt yet by Nigeria to localise customs technology after years of reliance on foreign-developed systems.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, described the August feat as “proof of concept” that the platform can support trade facilitation and government revenue mobilisation simultaneously.
“Our ₦215 billion collection confirms the progress of our journey to build a dependable trade system for Nigerians and stakeholders. We are braving the odds, and the sky is our limit,” Olomu said.
Why It Matters: Apapa as Nigeria’s Maritime Lifeline
Apapa remains the beating heart of Nigeria’s blue economy. As the country’s premier port, it handles the largest share of containerised imports, crude-linked exports, and manufactured goods headed offshore.
- A reliable customs system at Apapa directly impacts foreign exchange flows, shipping line confidence, and investor sentiment.
- Nigeria’s annual trade throughput exceeds $100 billion, meaning a stable digital backbone like B’Odogwu is critical for curbing revenue leakages, reducing clearance times, and aligning with global port competitiveness standards.
The August figures, therefore, are more than a revenue headline—they signal early momentum in port reform, trade transparency, and blue economy growth.
Stakeholders’ Buy-In: From Skepticism to Confidence
While users initially complained about network downtime and process glitches, confidence is building:
- Importers & Exporters: Express growing trust in a system that promises predictable clearance timelines.
- Licensed Customs Agents: Praise NCS for continuous engagement led by the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, who has personally reassured port users of sustained fixes.
- Revenue Authorities: See the platform as a bulwark against leakages that cost Nigeria billions annually.
Olomu credited resilience from officers and patriotism from stakeholders for sustaining momentum despite hiccups.
Next Steps: Fixes, Efficiency, and Wider Acceptance
The CGC has directed the ICT/Modernisation Department at Customs Headquarters to double down on improvements—resolving glitches, enhancing user support, and scaling up efficiency.
Olomu expressed optimism that UCMS will soon surpass expectations, evolving into a continental benchmark for homegrown customs technology.
BRANDECONOMY Analysis
The success of “B’Odogwu” is not just about a new customs app. It is about Nigeria’s strategic control of its trade data, revenue collection, and supply chain trust.
- For government, it means higher revenue at a time of fiscal strain.
- For the maritime economy, it means reduced bottlenecks and improved ease of doing business.
- For exporters and manufacturers, it means predictable timelines, critical for Nigeria’s competitiveness under AfCFTA.
Yet, the system will only be as strong as its back-end resilience and governance integrity. Stakeholders are watching to see if August’s ₦215bn will become the new normal—or just a one-off spike.
BRANDECONOMY Takeaway
“B’Odogwu” is proving to be more than a name. If fully stabilised, it could become the giant of Nigeria’s digital trade reform, powering revenue growth and positioning Apapa as a true maritime hub for West Africa’s blue economy.
