The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made its debut at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) International Business Conference and Expo 2025, showcasing its digital trade reforms and commitment to modernising operations.
The two-day event, which opened in Lagos on Tuesday, August 26, carries the theme “Invest Nigeria” and brought together top policymakers, diplomats, investors, and development partners to explore opportunities in Africa’s largest economy.
Representing Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Charles Orbih, Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, said Customs’ participation signalled a new era of openness and innovation.
According to him, the Service’s exhibition stand was designed to demonstrate its efforts in trade facilitation and revenue generation through technology-driven solutions. He highlighted the Unified Customs Management System, codenamed B’Odogwu, describing it as a resilient, error-free platform that has reduced delays and enabled seamless clearance of goods.
“We are here to showcase what we are doing as Customs and to enlighten visitors from across Africa and beyond on our reforms,” Orbih stated. “The B’Odogwu project ensures seamless clearance of goods and quick release of containers, thereby boosting trade facilitation.”
Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku of the NCS Strategic Research and Policy Department added that the system had significantly improved business efficiency. “With B’Odogwu, importers can clear goods within days without bottlenecks. This is ease of doing business at its best,” she said.
The NCS also displayed reform-focused materials, including handbooks on Authorised Economic Operators, reputation management, clearance audits and post-clearance audit processes, reflecting efforts to align with World Customs Organisation (WCO) standards.
In his welcome address, LCCI President Gabriel Idahosa described Nigeria as central to Africa’s future prosperity. “Nigeria is not just an option for investors. It is an integral part of any viable international investment plan,” he said, pointing to opportunities in agriculture, technology, renewable energy, creative industries and real estate.
Delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message, Senator John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, reaffirmed government’s commitment to reforms aimed at unlocking investment potential. He cited more than 180 reforms under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), new tax laws, infrastructure renewal and technology-driven governance as key steps toward competitiveness.
The conference is expected to generate dialogue on addressing Nigeria’s investment challenges and positioning the country as a gateway to Africa’s trillion-dollar continental free trade market
