The Nigerian Customs Service Top Management held high-level talk with the Management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council on the successful implementation of the Unified Customs Management System, B’Odogwu.
In a statement released by the National Public Relations Officer of Customs, AC Abdullahi Maiwada, on Tuesday, said, the engagement followed concerns raised by freight forwarders and licensed Customs agents regarding delays and demurrage linked to the rollout of the new system.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, met with the Executive Secretary/CEO, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D on Monday, at THE Council’s Abuja Liaison Office, Michael Okpara Way, Wuse, Abuja.
The parley provided a platform to deliberate on practical solutions aimed at mitigating the inconveniences experienced by operators.
Dr. Ukeyima however conveyed the industry feedback from freight forwarders and agents, highlighting operational challenges relating to system integration, documentation, and port logistics. He pointed the need for urgent responses to allay financial losses and prevent disruptions in the cargo clearance chain.
Reaffirming the Service’s position, the CGC maintained that B’ Odogwu, being a flagship project under the Customs Modernization Programme, is critical to achieving a transparent, technology-driven, and globally competitive clearance process.
He assured stakeholders that the challenges experienced in the initial phase would be systematically addressed through structured engagement, phased improvements, and continuous system upgrades.
Both Shippers’ Council and Customs emphasized on the significance of sustained dialogue and collaboration, noting that further consultations with stakeholders, (shipping lines, termina operators, etc.) would continue to align processes and address emerging concerns.
The NCS stressed that while transitional issues are expected in large-scale reforms, measures are being taken to limit disruptions and shield operators from excessive costs such as demurrage.
The Customs Service also reiterated that B’Odogwu is an indigenous platform designed to centralize Customs processes, integrate stakeholders into a unified system, shorten clearance timelines, reduce costs, boost compliance, and strengthen government revenue. The Customs called on stakeholders to support the implementation process, provide constructive feedback, and partner with the Service in building a modernized trade ecosystem that promotes efficiency, competitiveness, and national
