The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Command, has launched the B’Odogwu Data Window System, an indigenous registration portal for shippers, terminal agents, and traders. This system is designed to integrate a unified national data network within the service.

Dalhatu Abubakar, the Area Controller in charge of the Command, officially inaugurated the platform on Tuesday during a training session for terminal operators, traders, and shippers in the Kano and Jigawa Operational Area.

Abubakar explained that the initiative aims to enhance security, improve operational efficiency, and ensure that Customs operations are locally controlled and managed. He revealed that over 16,000 applications had been processed through the B’Odogwu system between January and March 2025.

The Area Controller emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has shown competence, commitment, and dedication in transitioning from third-party service providers to the B’Odogwu system, which stands for “Reliable Border System.”

He highlighted that the system incorporates new features designed for speed, reliability, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

Abubakar further warned that terminal operators not integrated into the B’Odogwu system would be barred from operating in Nigeria.

“To ensure full compliance, Customs is actively training terminal operators, shippers, traders, and licensed agents to onboard their licences into the system,” he said. “We urge all stakeholders to onboard now, as those who fail to register will lose access once the system is fully implemented.”

“Agents must also register with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as part of the operational regulations,” Abubakar added. “This system promotes compliance, reduces irregularities in agents’ dealings with Customs, and enhances transparency in trade facilitation.”

He assured stakeholders that B’Odogwu operates on an independent network with minimal downtime, ensuring continuous service availability.

Kano unveils eeZitax platform for filling tax returns, urges compliance

The Kano State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) has unveiled unveiled eeZitax, an online platform for filling returns.

Zaid Abubakar, Executive Chairman of KIRS, made the announcement on Friday in Kano.

According to him, taxpayers can access the platform at etax.kirs.gov.ng, where they can follow prompts to complete and submit their annual tax returns electronically.

“A user guide is available at https://etax.kirs.gov.ng/manuals. The deadline for filing annual tax returns is January 31, 2025,” he explained.

He reminded taxpayers that failure to file returns by this date constitutes an offence under Section 41(1) and (2) of the Personal Income Tax Act 2011 (as amended).

The KIRS Chairman urged all employers to file their tax returns before the deadline to avoid penalties.

Abubakar then stressed that the returns should detail each employee’s total emoluments, any applicable tax reliefs, and the total tax deducted.

The chairman further announced that all corporate organisations were required to file their tax returns through the new online platform.

He also warned that non-compliance with the deadline will attract a penalty of N500,000 as provided under Section 81(3) of the Personal Income Tax Act 2011 (as amended.