Category: Business

Nigeria Customs set to expand B’Odogwu Platform, promises seamless rollout in Apapa, Tincan Commands

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to expand its modernisation drive with the nationwide rollout of the B’Odogwu platform, following the successful pilot implementation at the Port Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Area Command.   Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi disclosed this during a pre-launch high-level stakeholders’ engagement at the Apapa Area Command on Monday, March 3, 2025. He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to a seamless transition, despite initial challenges encountered during the pilot phase.   “We experienced some hitches during the PTML pilot rollout, but with your…

NCS, CBN partner to drive technology-based trade reforms …As Customs set to expand B’Odogwu platform nationwide

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to implement technology-driven trade reforms aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and boosting revenue generation. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Abuja. Adeniyi explained that the partnership would support the full implementation of B’Odogwu, an indigenous trade facilitation platform developed by the NCS to replace the Nigerian Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) II. According to him, the…

Ooni hosts Kazakhstan Delegation in Abuja, backs Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, on Sunday hosted a 30-man delegation from Kazakhstan, led by the country’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alibek Kuantyrov, at the maiden Nigeria-Kazakhstan Business Council International Conference held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. The Ooni, who chairs the Nigeria-Kazakhstan Business Council, commended President Bola Tinubu for his bold economic reforms, noted that the hardship experienced by Nigerians is gradually easing. He highlighted that, for the first time in two decades, the gap between the parallel and official exchange rates has been…

Maiden Abuja Interior and Furniture Virtual Expo 2025 Kicks Off, Showcasing Industry Innovations

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Maiden Abuja Interior and Furniture Virtual Expo 2025 has officially commenced, marking a significant step in leveraging digital technology to showcase innovations, market trends, and business opportunities in Nigeria’s interior design and furniture sector. The expo, which is supported by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, and Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technical,aimed to boost the visibility of local manufacturers and promote economic growth within the industry.   Declaring the event open, Architect Faisal Jafar Rafindadi, the Convener and Project Coordinator, emphasized the expo’s role in…

EFCC, CAC deepen collaboration to combat corruption, boost Economic growth

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) have reinforced their commitment to collaborating in the fight against corruption, with the aim of fostering economic growth and ensuring a transparent business environment.   This commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by the EFCC Executive Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, to the CAC Registrar-General/CEO, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN), at the commission’s headquarters. In his remarks, the EFCC Chairman commended the CAC management and staff for their continuous support and swift responses to EFCC requests. He emphasized that…

Nigeria Customs launches Authorized Economic Operator Program to boost Trade Efficiency

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially launched the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, improving supply chain security, and boosting national economic growth. The event, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, was attended by key government officials, industry stakeholders, and international partners. In his keynote address, the Comptroller General of Customs emphasized that the AEO programme represents a shift from traditional transaction-based controls to a comprehensive compliance management system, fostering mutual trust between Customs and businesses. He highlighted that the initiative aligns…

Seme Area Command Welcomes New Customs Area Controller, Benedict Oramalugo

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Area Command has officially welcomed Comptroller Benedict Oramalugo, as its new Customs Area Controller, following the retirement of his predecessor. The handing-over ceremony took place on 11 February 2025 at the ECOWAS Complex of the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post (JBP), with journalists in attendance.   In his inaugural address, Comptroller Oramalugo expressed deep appreciation for the officers of the Command, commending them for their continued dedication and service. He assured officers, stakeholders, and the border community of his commitment to consolidating on the policy…

JUST IN: Nigeria Customs suspends implementation of 4% FOB charge

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the suspension of the implementation of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports, as stipulated in Section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023. The decision followed ongoing consultations with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, and other key stakeholders.   In a statement released by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS stated that the suspension will allow for comprehensive stakeholder engagement to fine-tune the Act’s…

CAC, NUPRC strengthen partnership on Beneficial Ownership Register, Host Community Registration

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) have agreed to strengthen collaboration on integrating the Beneficial Ownership Register, registering host community forums, and enhancing their working relationship.   This was disclosed during a familiarization visit by a delegation from NUPRC, led by the Commission Secretary and Legal Adviser, Mrs. Olayemi Anyanechi, to the CAC headquarters.   Speaking during the visit, Mrs. Anyanechi emphasized CAC’s crucial role in economic regulation, particularly in ensuring compliance with entity registrations. She noted that the partnership would facilitate mutual…

NCS, UNODC Strengthen Ties to Combat Drug Trafficking, Organised Crime … As CGC Adeniyi Unveils Plans for WCO Regional Donor Conference

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling drug trafficking and transnational organised crime through a renewed collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, during a meeting with a UNODC delegation led by its Country Representative, Cheikh Toure, at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja. CGC Adeniyi emphasized the vital role of the NCS in curbing drug-related crimes, which he described as a significant threat to…