The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will step up efforts to address operational hitches arising from the rollout of its new Unified Customs Management System, known as B’Odogwu.
This follows mounting complaints from freight forwarders and licensed customs agents, who lamented delays and rising demurrage linked to the implementation of the digital clearance platform.
To address this, customs has opened talks with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to address these hitches and ensure smooth operationalisation of the platform.
Speaking during an engagement, which held at the NCS headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr Akutah Ukeyima, disclosed that industry operators have faced “challenges related to system integration, documentation, and port logistics,” adding that urgent measures were needed “to minimise financial losses and prevent disruptions in the cargo clearance chain.”
According to a statement, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, assured that the service was committed to driving reforms despite these challenges.
“B’Odogwu is a flagship project under our Modernisation Programme, and it is critical to achieving a transparent, technology-driven, and globally competitive clearance process,” Mr Adeniyi said, assuring stakeholders that transitional difficulties were being systematically addressed.
“These initial challenges will be resolved through structured stakeholder engagement, phased improvements, and continuous system upgrades,” he noted.
The meeting also highlighted the need for sustained collaboration. Both agencies pledged to deepen consultations with shipping lines, terminal operators, and other actors to align processes and reduce operational friction.
The customs further stressed that while disruptions are expected in large-scale reforms, measures were underway to shield operators from excessive costs.
“We are implementing safeguards to limit demurrage and ensure that importers and exporters are not unduly burdened,” Mr Adeniyi added.
Described as an indigenous innovation, B’Odogwu aims to centralise Customs processes, cut clearance timelines, boost compliance, and strengthen government revenue through an integrated platform linking all stakeholders.
The Customs called on industry players to remain supportive of the transition.
“We urge stakeholders to partner with us by providing constructive feedback as we build a modernised trade ecosystem that promotes efficiency, competitiveness, and national development,” the statement added.