The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a significant step towards modernizing the country’s trade facilitation system with the issuance of its first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under the newly introduced B’Odogwu system. This marks the start of the nationwide implementation of the B’Odogwu (Unified Customs Management System), a cutting-edge technology aimed at streamlining Customs operations, improving trade documentation efficiency, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration.
In a statement issued on Friday by Abdullah Maiwada, the Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, the NCS confirmed that the B’Odogwu system is set to replace the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) and will play a vital role in transforming trade management in the country.
The successful issuance of the first PAAR under the B’Odogwu system signifies the beginning of a more transparent, efficient, and seamless approach to trade facilitation. This announcement follows a strategic engagement between the Comptroller-General of NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to improving trade processes, boosting revenue collection, and strengthening financial integration in Nigeria’s import and export systems.
Designed to simplify the complex customs process, the B’Odogwu system automates and integrates various functions, significantly improving the turnaround time for trade-related documents. The system was tested in a pilot phase at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Customs Area Command, where it received positive feedback from stakeholders, including government agencies involved in trade facilitation.
In the statement, the NCS highlighted that the B’Odogwu system would provide a more efficient, technology-driven Customs process for both traders and the general public. The NCS remains committed to ensuring that all necessary approvals and integrations with financial institutions, including Authorized Dealer Banks (ADBs), are completed for seamless foreign exchange transactions and trade-related payments.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, expressed his enthusiasm about the system’s potential, stating, “The B’Odogwu system is designed to modernize our operations and provide a seamless, transparent, and efficient trade facilitation platform. This technology will streamline processes for the entire trading community, and we are committed to ensuring its success as we move toward nationwide adoption.”
The NCS also emphasized its commitment to supporting stakeholders and ensuring that the system is fully integrated with the financial and regulatory infrastructure needed for smooth international trade. As part of the rollout, all stakeholders, including government agencies and the private sector, will be encouraged to embrace the new system to improve operational efficiency and reduce trade bottlenecks.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s Customs operations, one that prioritizes technology, transparency, and collaboration,” Adeniyi added.
The NCS further noted that the rollout would continue with training and awareness programs for stakeholders to ensure they are well-equipped to fully leverage the new system. The B’Odogwu system is set to be a key element in Nigeria’s push for improved trade facilitation, revenue generation, and the overall modernization of Customs operations. As it is rolled out nationwide, the NCS is confident that B’Odogwu will lead to a more streamlined, transparent, and efficient trade process, benefiting businesses and the Nigerian economy as a whole.