The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reiterated the Service’s unwavering commitment to a transparent, seamless, and inclusive deployment of the B’Odogwu clearance platform, assuring stakeholders that their feedback remains central to the system’s optimisation.
Adeniyi gave the assurance during a stakeholder town hall meeting held in Lagos on Monday, July 21, 2025. Themed “Enhancing Trade Compliance and System Optimisation Through Stakeholder Engagement,” the session brought together key players in the trade and logistics ecosystem to review the platform’s performance and chart the way forward.
He noted that the meeting was part of a broader engagement process that included consultations by the ICT/Modernisation Department, support teams, and personal interactions he had led in recent weeks.
“It’s important we create this platform to allow you to share your concerns with us and describe your experience using B’Odogwu,” the CGC stated, while also acknowledging both the challenges and the encouraging feedback received from freight forwarders and agents.
He reaffirmed the NCS vision to make B’Odogwu a reference model for digital trade facilitation globally, particularly as Nigeria currently chairs the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
“Our goal is to make B’Odogwu the reference point in trade facilitation. Now that Nigeria holds the WCO chairmanship, we want to show the world we can create and manage a home-grown system,” he said.
On the newly introduced 4% Free On Board (FOB) charge, Adeniyi clarified that it would replace multiple levies currently burdening importers.
“Once the 4% FOB takes effect, the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) and the 7% cost of collection will be removed. The new Act mandates that the 4% is paid upfront, after which all revenues go directly to the Federation Account. It’s a win-win for everyone,” he explained.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT/Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, described the B’Odogwu initiative as a proudly Nigerian innovation, and praised stakeholders for their sustained support.
“This town hall is not just another event; it’s a vital platform to engage our valued trade partners on the B’Odogwu Clearance System,” she said.
Also speaking, Chairman of Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL), Saleh Ahmadu, assured stakeholders of the long-term gains of the platform, reaffirming TMPL’s commitment to technological investment and operational efficiency.
Panel discussions explored practical challenges and solutions under topics such as “Overcoming Common Importer Challenges on B’Odogwu” and “Enhancing Transparency, Speed and Revenue through Full Participation.”
While stakeholders acknowledged improvements in speed and efficiency, they also raised concerns about migration-related disruptions, amendment delays from banks, and other teething issues.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to seek further clarification and propose actionable recommendations.
