The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued its first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under B’Odogwu, its homegrown Unified Customs Management System.

NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja. He described it as a major milestone in the service’s commitment to technology-driven trade reforms.

PAAR is used to assess and verify the value, classification, and duty payable on imported goods before they arrive in Nigeria, ensuring compliance and transparency in trade processes.

The NCS developed B’Odogwu under its Trade Modernisation Project to automate operations and align with international standards.

The pilot phase launched in October 2024 at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Customs Area Command in Lagos, with gradual implementation nationwide.

Maiwada said issuing the first PAAR marks the beginning of B’Odogwu’s national rollout, aimed at streamlining customs procedures and enhancing trade facilitation across Nigeria.

Daily Asset recalls that Customs’ Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, stated that the service, in collaboration with banks, was working to integrate PAAR and Form ‘M’ into the system.

Maiwada explained that once integrated, nearly 70 to 80 per cent of the service’s operations would be automated, significantly improving efficiency and transparency in customs processes.

He added that all necessary approvals and integrations with financial institutions, including Authorised Dealer Banks (ADBs), were being finalised for seamless foreign exchange transactions and payments.

According to him, this milestone follows a recent strategic meeting with the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso.

During the meeting, both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade processes, improving revenue collection, and strengthening financial integration for better economic outcomes.

Maiwada stated that B’Odogwu replaces the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) and aims to modernise operations, enhancing efficiency and inter-agency collaboration.

He said stakeholders, including government agencies, were engaged during the pilot phase to ensure a smooth transition and effective implementation of the new system.

He urged stakeholders to adopt the software, supporting modernisation objectives and improving operational efficiency within the customs and trade sectors.

“The NCS, under the leadership of Adewale Adeniyi and his team, appreciates the support of all stakeholders.

“He encourages the trading community to embrace B’Odogwu for more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven customs processes,” Maiwada added. (NAN)

The new Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL), Mr Bayo Ojulari, has officially taken over the reins of the company from his predecessor, Mr Mele Kyari.
Following the appointment of the new GCEO and Board of Directors, the NNPC Ltd.

also announced the appointment of a new eight-man Senior Management Team.
In a brief handover ceremony held at the NNPC Towers on Friday, the GCEO commended Kyari for his contributions to the growth of the NNPC Ltd. and his sterling service to the nation.
Ojulari, in a statement by the NNPC Ltd. spokesperson, Mr Olufemi Soneye, said the objective of his management was to consolidate on the successes of his predecessor and take the company to the next level.

He said he would rely on the cooperation of the management and staff of the company, as well as the counsel of his predecessor to achieve set targets.
“I will be counting on your support. I will need it. I will be coming around to seek your counsel,” Ojulari said.
Earlier in his remarks, Kyari congratulated Ojulari and thanked the management and staff of the company for their support while in office.
He pledged to do everything within his power to support the new management to succeed, stressing that he was only a call away.
In a similar development, following the appointment of the new GCEO and Board of Directors, the NNPC Ltd. also announced the appointment of a new eight-man Senior Management Team.
Soneye said the team which would be headed by the GCEO, has Mr Rowland Ewubare as the Group Chief Operating Officer;  Mr Adedapo Segun as the Group Chief Financial Officer; and Mr Olalekan Ogunleye as Executive Vice President Gas, Power and New Energy.
Other members of the team are: Udy Ntia as Executive Vice President Upstream; Mumuni Dangazau as Executive Vice President Downstream; Sophia Mbakwe as Executive Vice President Business Services; and Adesua Dozie, as Company Secretary and Chief Legal Officer.
Report says that all appointments are with immediate effect. (NAN)

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has refuted a  report alleging that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has only embarked on 13 major projects nationwide.

The minister described the claim as terrible.

Umahi, who spoke with  journalists at the re-opening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos on Friday, expressed dismay at the report’s inaccuracy.

According to him, even within a single geopolitical zone, the government has more than 10 major ongoing projects.

He emphasised that Tinubu’s administration was actively pursuing numerous mega-projects across all regions of the country.

Umahi said: “I don’t know where they got that information from.

Even in one region, we have over 10 major projects that are ongoing.

” I am going to mention a number of projects, region by region.

“We see all that the president is doing.

” Somebody posting that there are only 13 major projects that the President is intervening in, is terrible.”

He highlighted extensive infrastructure projects being carried out in Lagos State alone by the Federal Government, including  Eko Bridge, Marina Bridge, Carter Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge.

He listed  the other mega projects in Lagos to include Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway,  Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lekki Deep Sea Port route to Epe, and the seven axial roads.

The minister also announced plans for an inspection of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway  and other projects in Lagos State on Saturday.

He added that the Federal Government would flag off the second section of the Abuja-Kano Road in Kaduna by next week.

“We have quite a lot going on under the watch of President Bola Tinubu,” Umahi said. (NAN)