In line with its modernisation drive and unwavering commitment to trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has engaged the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in high-level consultations on the implementation of the Unified Customs Management System, widely known as B’Odogwu.
According to a statement signed on Tuesday by the customs National Public Relations Officer, ACC Abdullahi Maiwada, the engagement, which took place on Monday, 19th August 2025, at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, was led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Ukeyima.
The meeting followed feedback from freight forwarders and licensed customs agents, who raised concerns about delays and demurrage linked to the initial rollout of the B’Odogwu platform. The session provided a platform for frank deliberations on practical solutions aimed at minimising the inconveniences experienced by operators.
During the meeting, Dr. Ukeyima conveyed industry observations, highlighting operational challenges related to system integration, documentation processes, and port logistics. He underscored the need for urgent responses to prevent financial losses and ensure seamless cargo clearance operations.
In his remarks, the Comptroller-General reaffirmed that B’Odogwu is a flagship project under the Customs Modernisation Programme, designed to deliver a transparent, technology-driven, and globally competitive clearance process. He assured stakeholders that the challenges observed at this initial phase are transitional and will be systematically addressed through structured stakeholder engagements, phased improvements, and continuous system upgrades.
Both agencies stressed the importance of sustained collaboration and agreed to continue consultations with relevant stakeholders, including shipping lines and terminal operators, to align processes and address emerging concerns. The Service further emphasised that measures are being put in place to shield operators from excessive costs such as demurrage, while ensuring that trade facilitation objectives are achieved.
B’Odogwu is an indigenous innovation designed to centralise Customs processes, integrate stakeholders into a unified system, shorten clearance timelines, reduce costs, boost compliance, and strengthen government revenue.
The Nigeria Customs Service therefore calls on all stakeholders to support the implementation process, provide constructive feedback, and partner with the Service in building a modernised trade ecosystem that promotes efficiency, competitiveness, and national development.
