Customs, Shippers’ Council Meet To Resolve B’Odogwu Rollout Challenges - Harbours

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Customs, Shippers’ Council Meet To Resolve B’Odogwu Rollout Challenges

Harboursandport.com: Abuja, Nigeria - August 20, 2025: In a strategic move to strengthen trade facilitation and modernise port operations, the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has held high-level consultations with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC over the implementation of its Unified Customs Management System, popularly known as B’Odogwu.



The meeting, which took place on Monday, 19 August 2025, at the NCS headquarters in Abuja, was convened by Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Executive Secretary of the Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah. 

It followed mounting concerns from freight forwarders and Licensed Customs Agents over delays and rising demurrage costs linked to the system’s rollout.


Akutah presented industry feedback, highlighting operational challenges such as system integration issues, documentation bottlenecks, and port logistics disruptions. He urged Customs to act swiftly to prevent financial losses and maintain the integrity of the cargo clearance chain.


Responding, CGC Adeniyi reaffirmed the importance of B’Odogwu as a cornerstone of the Customs Modernisation Programme. He described the platform as critical to achieving a transparent, technology-driven, and globally competitive clearance process.


“While transitional issues are expected in large-scale reforms, Customs is putting measures in place to minimise disruptions and shield operators from excessive costs such as demurrage,” Adeniyi stated.


Both agencies agreed on the need for sustained dialogue and pledged to continue engaging other stakeholders—including shipping lines and terminal operators—to harmonise processes and resolve emerging concerns.


B’Odogwu, developed as an indigenous platform, is designed to centralise Customs operations, reduce clearance timelines, lower costs, improve compliance, and boost government revenue. The NCS called on stakeholders to support the implementation, provide constructive feedback, and partner in building a modernised trade ecosystem that promotes efficiency and national development.


The statement was issued by National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada on behalf of the Comptroller-General.

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