Lagos, Nigeria – July 23, 2025 – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has pledged a transparent and efficient rollout of its new B’Odogwu clearance platform, addressing stakeholder concerns and promising ongoing improvements based on feedback. The assurance came during a town hall meeting in Lagos on Monday, July 21, 2025, themed “Enhancing Trade Compliance and System Optimisation Through Stakeholder Engagement.”
Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi emphasized the NCS’s commitment to making B’Odogwu a benchmark for digital trade facilitation, particularly as Nigeria currently chairs the World Customs Organisation (WCO). “Our goal is to make B’Odogwu the reference point in trade facilitation,” Adeniyi said. “We want to show the world we can create and manage a home-grown system.”
ALSO READ: NATIONAL TREASURY: HR REFORMS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SERVICE IN KENYA
The town hall followed a series of consultations led by Adeniyi, the ICT/Modernisation Department, and the platform’s support team over the past two weeks. Stakeholders, including freight forwarders and agents, shared mixed feedback, with Adeniyi noting both positive responses and reported challenges. “It’s important we create this platform to allow you to share your concerns and describe your experience using B’Odogwu,” he said.
A key discussion point was the newly introduced 4% Free On Board (FOB) charge, which Adeniyi clarified would replace multiple existing levies. “Once the 4% FOB takes effect, the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) will cease, and the 7% cost of collection will also be removed,” he explained. “The 4% FOB is paid upfront, and 100% of Customs revenue will go into the Federation Account—a win-win for everyone.”
Deputy Comptroller-General Kikelomo Adeola, in charge of ICT/Modernisation, highlighted the strategic importance of stakeholder collaboration. “This town hall is a vital platform to engage our trade partners on the B’Odogwu Clearance System,” she said, praising stakeholders for supporting the locally developed project.
Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman of Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL), assured attendees of the platform’s long-term benefits. “As we transition into a 21st-century Customs Service, TMPL is committed to investing in the right technology, people, and services to enhance the trade value chain,” he said.
The event featured panel discussions on overcoming importer challenges and enhancing transparency, speed, and revenue through the platform. Stakeholders commended B’Odogwu’s efficiencies but raised concerns about system migration and delays in amendments from banks. A robust question-and-answer session addressed these issues, clarifying key matters.
The NCS’s focus on stakeholder engagement and system optimization underscores its commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s trade ecosystem with B’Odogwu as a cornerstone.
