By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
In a move to consolidate the gains of its recently deployed Unified Customs Management System UCMS, codenamed B’odogwu, the Nigeria Customs Service NCS has intensified collaboration with financial institutions beginning with Access Bank to enhance trade facilitation and financial integration.
During a virtual strategic engagement held on Monday, April 14, 2025, the NCS leadership met with top officials from Access Bank to align operational frameworks and explore deeper synergy in streamlining trade-related transactions.
Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, Kikelomo Adeola, who led the Customs team, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to full integration with key stakeholders in the post-deployment phase of the B’odogwu system.
“The deployment of B’odogwu marks a transformative era in Customs administration,” said DCG Adeola.
“Our focus now is to strengthen partnerships with institutions like Access Bank to maximise automation, transparency, and efficiency in trade processing.
She explained that B’odogwu, developed as an indigenous digital solution, has already improved Customs operations by unifying procedures, automating declarations, and enabling real-time monitoring of transactions.
“To unlock the full potential of this platform, every actor in the trade value chain must be integrated.
"This engagement with Access Bank is not only timely, but critical to achieving that goal,” she added.
Olatunbosun Oladunke, Head of Global Trade, praised the Customs Service for its digital transformation initiative and pledged the bank’s support in ensuring seamless integration.
“The B’odogwu platform is a major step forward in digital trade facilitation. Access Bank is committed to aligning its systems to support the Customs vision—especially in areas such as trade finance and payment automation,” he added
Head of Media and Public Relations at Access Holdings, also underscored the importance of stakeholder education and public awareness.
“Stakeholder engagement is essential for the success of any major reform. We will work closely with the Customs Service to raise public awareness and ensure stakeholders understand the value B’odogwu brings to the trade ecosystem,” he said.
The meeting forms part of a broader NCS strategy aimed at accelerating trade modernisation through innovation, transparency, and strategic partnerships.
With B’odogwu now fully operational, the Nigeria Customs Service is steadily advancing towards a fully digital, integrated, and globally compliant Customs system that supports the nation’s economic growth and competitiveness.
