NCS, Shippers’ Council Collaborate on Smooth Rollout of B’Odogwu System
Kathy Kyari
In line with its modernisation drive and commitment to trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has held high-level consultations with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) on the implementation of the Unified Customs Management System, popularly known as B’Odogwu.
According to a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, AC Abdullahi Maiwada, on Tuesday, the engagement followed concerns raised by freight forwarders and licensed Customs agents regarding delays and demurrage linked to the rollout of the new system.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, met with the Executive Secretary of the Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Ukeyima, on Monday, 19th August 2025, at the NCS headquarters in Abuja.
The meeting provided a platform to deliberate on practical solutions aimed at mitigating the inconveniences experienced by operators.
Dr. Ukeyima conveyed industry feedback from freight forwarders and agents, highlighting operational challenges relating to system integration, documentation, and port logistics. He stressed the need for urgent responses to minimise financial losses and prevent disruptions in the cargo clearance chain.
Reaffirming the Service’s position, the CGC maintained that B’Odogwu, being a flagship project under the Customs Modernisation Programme, is critical to achieving a transparent, technology-driven, and globally competitive clearance process.
He assured stakeholders that the challenges experienced in the initial phase would be systematically addressed through structured engagement, phased improvements, and continuous system upgrades.
Both agencies emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration, noting that further consultations with stakeholders, including shipping lines and terminal operators, would continue to align processes and address emerging concerns.
The NCS stressed that while transitional issues are expected in large-scale reforms, measures are being taken to limit disruptions and shield operators from excessive costs such as demurrage.
The Customs Service also reiterated that B’Odogwu is an indigenous platform designed to centralise Customs processes, integrate stakeholders into a unified system, shorten clearance timelines, reduce costs, boost compliance, and strengthen government revenue.
It called on 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.
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