In pursuit of its modernisation agenda and commitment to trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has initiated strategic consultations with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to address concerns surrounding the rollout of the Unified Customs Management System, popularly known as B’Odogwu.
On Monday, 19 August 2025, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, hosted Dr. Akutah Ukeyima, Executive Secretary of the NSC, at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting focused on resolving operational challenges reported by freight forwarders and Licensed Customs Agents, particularly delays and demurrage costs linked to the new system.
Dr. Ukeyima conveyed industry-wide feedback, highlighting issues with system integration, documentation processes, and port logistics. He emphasized the urgency of addressing these concerns to prevent financial losses and maintain efficiency in cargo clearance operations.
In response, the CGC reaffirmed the strategic importance of B’Odogwu as a cornerstone of the Customs Modernisation Programme. He assured stakeholders that current challenges would be tackled through structured engagement, phased system enhancements, and ongoing technical upgrades.
Both agencies agreed on the need for sustained collaboration, with further consultations planned involving shipping lines, terminal operators, and other key stakeholders. The NCS reiterated its commitment to minimizing transitional disruptions and protecting operators from excessive costs such as demurrage.
B’Odogwu is an indigenous digital platform designed to centralize Customs operations, streamline stakeholder integration, shorten clearance timelines, reduce costs, and enhance compliance and revenue generation. The NCS calls on all stakeholders to actively support the implementation, provide constructive feedback, and partner in building a modern, efficient, and globally competitive trade ecosystem.