Customs upgrades to B’Odogwu to facilitate trade with technology
Controller General, Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi
Customs upgrades to B’Odogwu to facilitate trade with technology
* New system is expected to lead to a more streamlined, transparent, and efficient trade process.
* New system will replace the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II)
The Nigeria Customs Service has taken a step towards modernising the country’s trade facilitation system with the issuance of its first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report under the newly introduced B’Odogwu system.
This milestone marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout of the B’Odogwu (Unified Customs Management System), a state-of-the-art technology designed to streamline Customs operations, enhance trade documentation efficiency, and foster greater inter-agency collaboration.
The Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullah Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement signed on Friday for the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
The B’Odogwu system is set to replace the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) and will play a pivotal role in transforming how trade processes are managed in Nigeria.
According to the NCS, the successful issuance of the first PAAR under B’Odogwu signals the commencement of a more transparent, efficient, and seamless approach to trade facilitation.
The announcement follows the recent strategic engagement between the Comptroller-General of NCS, Adeniyi and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to improving trade processes, enhancing revenue collection, and boosting financial integration in Nigeria’s import and export systems.
The B’Odogwu system is designed to simplify the complex customs process by automating and integrating various functions, significantly improving the turnaround time for trade-related documents. The initiative has been tested during a pilot phase at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Customs Area Command, where it received positive feedback from stakeholders, including other government agencies involved in trade facilitation.
In the statement, the NCS noted that the launch of the B’Odogwu system would provide a more efficient, technology-driven Customs process for traders and the general public.
The statement read, “This achievement marks a significant milestone in the Service’s commitment to technology-driven trade reforms. We remain dedicated to ensuring that all necessary approvals and integrations with financial institutions, including Authorized Dealer Banks (ADBs), are completed to enable seamless foreign exchange transactions and trade-related payments.”
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, expressed his excitement about the system’s potential.
He said, “The B’Odogwu system is designed to modernize our operations and provide a seamless, transparent, and efficient trade facilitation platform. This technology will bring about a more streamlined process for the entire trading community, and we are committed to ensuring its success as we move toward nationwide adoption.”
The NCS also emphasised that the service is committed to supporting stakeholders and ensuring that the system is fully integrated with the financial and regulatory infrastructure necessary for seamless 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.
He also commented on the importance of the system. “We are excited about the B’Odogwu system’s potential to enhance Nigeria’s trade facilitation processes. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s Customs operations, one that prioritizes technology, transparency, and collaboration.”
The NCS also noted that the rollout would continue with additional training and awareness programs for stakeholders, ensuring that they are well-equipped to take full advantage of the new system.
The B’Odogwu system is set to become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s drive for improved trade facilitation, revenue generation, and the overall modernization of Customs operations. The success of this initiative will likely serve as a model for other regions seeking to enhance their trade systems through technology and innovation.
As the system is rolled out across the country, the Nigeria Customs Service is confident that B’Odogwu will lead to a more streamlined, transparent, and efficient trade process, which will ultimately benefit both businesses and the Nigerian economy as a whole.
