CGC Adeniyi Reaffirms Commitment to Seamless, Transparent Rollout of B’Odogwu Clearance Platform
…Stakeholders engaged on trade compliance, system optimisation, and long-term benefits of digital transformation
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has assured industry stakeholders of the Service’s unwavering commitment to a seamless and transparent rollout of the B’Odogwu clearance platform, a home-grown digital trade facilitation system that aims to revolutionise Nigeria’s customs operations.
Adeniyi made this pledge during a high-level town hall meeting held on Monday in Lagos, themed “Enhancing Trade Compliance and System Optimisation Through Stakeholder Engagement.” The gathering brought together freight forwarders, clearing agents, financial institutions, and logistics experts to deliberate on the progress and challenges of the new system.
“This town hall is a result of several weeks of intense consultations, some led by our support teams, others by our ICT and Modernisation Department, and many by myself personally,” the CGC said. “We thought it important to create this forum to allow you to share your concerns and describe your experience using B’Odogwu.”
While acknowledging that some users had encountered challenges during the transition, Adeniyi noted that feedback had also highlighted notable successes.
“We’ve received positive responses from many stakeholders, including freight forwarders and agents,” he said, adding that the Service was actively addressing concerns and introducing continuous improvements.
Reinforcing the importance of the initiative, Adeniyi highlighted Nigeria’s current leadership role within the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
“Our goal is to make B’Odogwu the reference point for digital trade facilitation across Africa and beyond. As chair of the WCO, Nigeria has the opportunity to show the world we can develop and manage an efficient, home-grown system.”
Adeniyi also clarified issues surrounding the newly introduced 4% Free On Board (FOB) charge, noting it would streamline and replace existing levies.
“Once the 4% FOB charge comes into effect, the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) and the 7% cost of collection will both be discontinued,” he explained. “This means revenue will now go directly into the Federation Account—resulting in greater accountability and efficiency. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
In her welcome address, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT/Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, lauded the role of collaboration in the ongoing transformation.
“This town hall is more than just another meeting. It’s a strategic platform to engage with our valued trade partners and ensure the success of the B’Odogwu Clearance System,” she stated, highlighting the system’s indigenous development and its potential as a national success story.
Supporting this position, Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman of the Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL), reiterated the company’s commitment to sustained investment in modern customs operations.
“As we transition to a 21st-century Customs Service, TMPL is dedicated to deploying the right technology, people, and processes. B’Odogwu will significantly enhance the experience of all users in the trade ecosystem,” Ahmadu affirmed.
The town hall also featured two key panel discussions: “Overcoming Common Importer Challenges on B’Odogwu” and “Enhancing Transparency, Speed and Revenue through Full Participation.” These sessions addressed pressing operational issues, including system migration bottlenecks, delays in amendment approvals from banks, and access inconsistencies.
Participants commended the efforts made thus far by the Nigeria Customs Service but urged greater responsiveness and support in resolving technical glitches and documentation challenges.
The event concluded with a robust question-and-answer session, where senior Customs officials responded to queries, clarified policy issues, and reiterated their readiness to work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and sustained efficiency under the new clearance platform.
