DIGITAL COMPT ONYEKA’ FETES JOURNALISTS; INSISTS B’ODOGWU REMAINS A GAME-CHANGER
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
To so many journalists, it was a good time to unwind as well as familiarize with the ‘Digital Area Controller’ of the Tin Can Island command who hosted what looks like an unprecedented ‘lunch time‘ session with the media yesterday.
Like the saying, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. So , Compt Frank Onyeka took out time to rub minds with senior members of the media as well as other stakeholders, explaining how the command has fared so far.
Onyeka has commended the journalists for all the support so far received since he mounted the dais as customs Area controller. He expatiated on the benefits of the B’Odogwu as an indigenous initiative to arrest inefficiencies associated with the NICIS platform.
According to him, this initiative was conceived, developed and administered by the customs ICT workforce whole and entire.
‘I am here today not to target the media but to celebrate you.
Your reportage, your thought-provoking headlines and your engagements have assisted to shape our actions and successes. Many of the reforms and issues we addressed stemmed directly from your feedback
B’Odogwu is our pride. It is a customs-created solution meant for trade consultations and ensure seamless clearance process. We are addressing issues before they arise. It is not perfect but we have solved over 90 percent of trade problems we inherited.
Onyeka noted that the new platform provides real- time solutions to trade- related bottlenecks, thereby reducing delays that lead to demurrage charges at terminals.
‘The narrative that every delay at the ports is caused by customs is no longer tenable.
B’ Odogwu enables faster processing, transparency and accountability.
Our ICT is fully involved and our officers have embraced this digital revolution. Compt Onyeka promised to deepen stakeholders engagement, strengthening operational efficiency and promoting indigenous innovation.
‘There is nothing we can do successfully in customs without the collaboration of the media. That’s why today’s meeting matters. We are not just eating, but building trust’