Lilypond Command: Comptroller Ariyibi Applauds B'Odogwu Platforms for Seamless Export Processing
Bisi Akingbade
The Customs Area Controller, Lilypond Export Command, Comptroller Samuel Ariyibi has commended the Comptroller General of Customs; CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on introduction of a homegrown technology like B'Odogwu, said the new platform has paved the way for seamless export processing.
Comptroller Ariyibi said the command recorded tremendous increase in export trade facilitation using the B'Odogwu digital platform.
He made this known during a working visit by executive members of Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria, MAJAN.
He explained that with the B'Odogwu platform, export transactions must be initiated and completed at the same terminal, such that the data will not be compromised.
He added that "Using the B'Odogwu platform has shown that export can improve through seamless processing. At Lilypond Command, we have brilliant officers working tirelessly to enhance efficiency in export trade facilitation.
"I assumed office about three months now and didn't bring any officer here. I met a set of intelligent and well trained officers on the ground."
The Area Controller said that at Lilypond Command, the use of gatepass is fully implemented. This implies that all relevant stakeholders, terminal operators, NPA, and Customs are part of the system.
"The exporters are also allowed access to the gatepass. This is because the gatepass allows goods to exit the terminal and show finished transactions. The gatepass is in the system to show what is exiting the terminal, to indicate that such goods are out of Customs Control area.
"You can see that we apply the policy thrust of the CGC on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation on export trade facilitation as well.
"Also, the gatepass shows the destination of where the goods exiting the terminal are going.
"This allows proper monitoring of exports to ensure that products taken from Nigeria are not diverted to neighbouring countries, rebag for exports to other countries, to the detriment of Nigeria’s economy."
Comptroller Ariyibi also applauded the CGC on Customs reforms, automation of processes, capability building for officers to enhance efficiency in the system, and achieve institutional excellence stressed, "Things must change for good."
