Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has opened talks with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, to address operational hitches arising from the rollout of its new Unified Customs Management System, known as B’Odogwu, following mounting complaints from freight forwarders and Licensed Customs Agents.
The engagement, which held at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, was led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Ukeyima.
Freight forwarders had raised concerns about delays and rising demurrage linked to the implementation of the digital clearance platform.
According to Dr. Ukeyima, industry operators have faced “challenges related to system integration, documentation, and port logistics,” adding that urgent measures were needed “to minimise financial losses and prevent disruptions in the cargo clearance chain.”
Responding, the Customs boss reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to driving reforms despite the teething challenges.
“B’Odogwu is a flagship project under our Modernisation Programme, and it is critical to achieving a transparent, technology-driven, and globally competitive clearance process,” Adeniyi said.
He assured stakeholders that transitional difficulties were being systematically addressed.
“These initial challenges will be resolved through structured stakeholder engagement, phased improvements, and continuous system upgrades,” he noted.
The meeting also highlighted the need for sustained collaboration. Both agencies pledged to deepen consultations with shipping lines, terminal operators, and other actors to align processes and reduce operational friction.
Customs further stressed that while disruptions are expected in large-scale reforms, measures were underway to shield operators from excessive costs.
“We are implementing safeguards to limit demurrage and ensure that importers and exporters are not unduly burdened,” Adeniyi added.
Described as an indigenous innovation, B’Odogwu aims to centralise Customs processes, cut clearance timelines, boost compliance, and strengthen government revenue through an integrated platform linking all stakeholders.
Customs called on industry players to remain supportive of the transition.
“We urge stakeholders to partner with us by providing constructive feedback as we build a modernised trade ecosystem that promotes efficiency, competitiveness, and national development,” the Service stated.
