By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has held a high-level consultation with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to address challenges surrounding the rollout of the Unified Customs Management System, popularly called B’Odogwu.
Concerns had been raised by freight forwarders and Licensed Customs Agents who complained about delays and demurrage linked to the new system.
This prompted a meeting on Monday, August 19, 2025, between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the Executive Secretary of the Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Ukeyima, at the Customs headquarters in Abuja.
During the discussions, Dr. Ukeyima conveyed feedback from stakeholders, stressing that operators were facing difficulties tied to system integration, documentation, and port logistics.
He highlighted the need for swift intervention to minimise financial losses and avoid disruptions in cargo clearance.
The Comptroller-General of Customs reaffirmed the importance of the project, describing it as a flagship under the Customs Modernisation Programme.
He noted that, “B’Odogwu, being a flagship project under the Customs Modernisation Programme, remains critical to achieving a transparent, technology-driven, and globally competitive clearance process.”
He assured stakeholders that the initial setbacks would be addressed through continuous engagement, phased improvements, and upgrades to the system.
Both agencies agreed on the need for sustained collaboration and pledged to continue consultations with shipping lines, terminal operators, and other stakeholders.
The NCS stressed that while transitional difficulties were expected in reforms of this scale, efforts were underway to reduce disruptions and shield operators from additional costs such as demurrage.
According to the Service, the B’Odogwu platform is designed to centralise Customs processes, integrate stakeholders into a single system, shorten clearance timelines, lower costs, improve compliance, and boost government revenue.
The Customs leadership urged stakeholders to support the implementation, provide constructive feedback, and partner with the Service in creating a modernised trade environment that enhances efficiency and competitiveness.
The statement was issued by Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs.