.says PTML Makes Highest Monthly Collection of N44.9b in November, 2024.
.More Banks embrace new system
ZAINAB JUNAID
The new Nigeria Customs Service trading platform, B’ Odogwu, an indigenous software, has continued to bring tremendous success to the pilot Command, Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) since it’s launching in October 2024.
Customs Area Controller of the Pilot Command, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan disclosed this at a press briefing on Wednesday revealing that the Command recorded highest monthly revenue collection of N44.9b in November 2024, because of the new system.
Daniyan explained that in addition to over 5 banks already hooked up to the system, the NCS ICT/Modernisation Department has concluded arrangement for the (17) banks that are on interswitch payment platform coming onboard.
“The Customs headquarters have started interactions with the banks and this would be addressed by Thursday,” he said.
On alleged information that four vessels were stranded due to glitches experienced through the B’ Odogwu system, the Area Controller debunked the claims explaining that the command had held meetings with some stakeholders earlier in the week to deliberate on issues related to the challenges experienced by agents and it was resolved that the agents should engage the implementation team for further assistance.
“In fact amidst the little glitches experienced, and to ensure trade facilitation is not hindered, the Command introduced manual methods to process Cargoes and has established interface with the terminal operator to accommodate port users that have made entries on the platform,” he disclosed .
The Controller noted that most agents claiming inability to capture have not registered on the platform and urged them to come forward for capture to address any challenge.
“B’Odogwu is a Nigerian baby that should be fed by Nigerians. We are weaning our baby from a foreign mother and I urge all Nigerians to support it. We are not going back to NICIS II. The use of NICIS II platform has come to an end in PTML as this is the position of the Service.
“We are aware that some of our agents are yet to be fully acquainted with the additional requirements that were not involved in NICIS II. As the problems come up, we are solving them.
“Note that the management has dispatched an implementation team here to ensure our stakeholders don’t suffer. We were disconnected from NICIS II three months ago and we have fully commenced implementation to grow our own teeth and serve the country better. We have left NICIS here in PTML.
“We are committed to get it right here before moving to Tin Can and other ports. Our turn around time for properly declared RoRo cargo is still two hours but this is dependent on compliance by the declarant. As a command, we will not sacrifice national security and revenue on the altar of trade facilitation.
“So far in November,292 bills of laden have been captured in November, 375 are yet to capture. As at today, Wednesday over 98 people have paid their duties under B’Odogwu platform as more banks are coming on board” he said.
