The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to a fully modernized, technology-driven trade environment as it unveiled the transformative progress of its flagship innovation, B’Odogwu, during the 2025 Annual Conference and Award Ceremony of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON).
The paper presentation titled, “B’Odogwu as Game Changer for Optimal Trade Facilitation: The Journey So Far,” was delivered on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, who was represented by the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Customs Command, CSC Abiola Abdullahi-Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of the CGC, CSC Abdullahi described B’Odogwu as “the digital backbone of a modern customs administration,” emphasizing its role in driving automation, transparency, and seamless collaboration across Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
He noted that the home-grown Unified Customs Management System goes far beyond software upgrades, integrating critical processes such as Form M, PAAR, Single Goods Declaration, duty payments, manifests, and cargo release into a single web-based platform. The system also connects Customs with regulatory institutions including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), SON, NAFDAC, FIRS, and commercial banks—an unprecedented level of digital harmonization in Nigeria’s trade environment.
According to CSC Abdullahi, B’Odogwu is Nigeria’s response to the demands of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, AfCFTA, and the NCS Act 2023, which require faster, predictable, and technology-driven border operations.
He highlighted the significant strides recorded since the system’s initial pilot at PTML in late 2024, where over 16,000 declarations were processed. Its successful rollout has since expanded to Apapa, Tin Can, Onne, the Lagos Free Trade Zone, and Oil & Gas corridors, with several ports now fully running on B’Odogwu.
“The outcomes are tangible,” he said. “Clearance times have reduced drastically, with compliant traders completing processing within 4 to 8 hours. Dwell time is dropping, transparency is higher, and human contact is significantly minimized—closing the door to manipulation and strengthening accountability.”
The system’s enhanced risk management capability was also highlighted, enabling Customs to use data to distinguish low-risk from high-risk shipments. This ensures that compliant traders enjoy faster clearance while Customs focuses on areas of genuine concern.
CSC Abdullahi acknowledged the challenges that accompanied the transition—ranging from initial SONCAP transmission delays to intermittent system slowdowns and adaptation hurdles among users migrating from NICIS II. However, he emphasized that the Service proactively addressed these issues through continuous upgrades, stakeholder sensitization, multi-agency coordination, and expanded user training.
He stressed the indispensable role of maritime journalists in shaping public understanding of the reform.
“B’Odogwu needs accurate interpretation, not misinformation. Media professionals are vital in telling the right stories, educating the public, spotlighting areas that need improvement, and providing constructive oversight,” he said.
To consolidate the gains of the digital transformation, the Nigeria Customs Service has:
– Completed nationwide rollout of B’Odogwu
– Strengthened inter-agency harmonization
– Expanded training and 24/7 helpdesk support
– Sustained continuous engagement with media bodies such as AMJON
In closing, CSC Abdullahi, speaking for the CGC, reaffirmed that B’Odogwu is redefining Nigeria’s trade facilitation landscape.
“With sustained media support and stakeholder cooperation, B’Odogwu will accelerate competitiveness, attract investment, and reduce the cost of doing business in Nigeria,” he said.
At the AMJON 2025 Conference, the Nigeria Customs Service—represented by CSC Abiola Abdullahi-Lagos on behalf of CGC Adewale Adeniyi—highlighted how the B’Odogwu digital platform is transforming trade facilitation, cutting clearance times, and boosting transparency in Nigeria.
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