By George Ozalla
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has initiated a high-level consultation with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to address challenges arising from the implementation of the Unified Customs Management System, commonly known as B’Odogwu. The meeting, held on August 19, 2025, in Abuja, aimed to find practical solutions to mitigate delays and demurrage experienced by freight forwarders and Licensed Customs Agents.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the importance of B’Odogwu in achieving a transparent and technology-driven clearance process. He assured that the NCS would systematically resolve challenges through stakeholder engagement, phased improvements, and continuous system upgrades.
The Executive Secretary of the NSC, Dr. Akutah Ukeyima, highlighted operational challenges related to system integration, documentation, and port logistics, emphasizing the need for urgent responses to minimize financial losses and prevent disruptions in the cargo clearance chain.
Both parties underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration, noting that further consultations would continue to align processes and address emerging concerns. The NCS emphasized that measures are being implemented to limit disruptions and shield operators from excessive costs.
The B’Odogwu platform aims to centralize Customs processes, reduce clearance timelines, boost compliance, and strengthen government revenue. The NCS calls on stakeholders to support the implementation process and provide constructive feedback to build a modernized trade ecosystem.
