Customs, NSC join forces to ease B’Odogwu delays

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has stepped up efforts to resolve the operational challenges surrounding its flagship trade automation platform, the Unified Customs Management System, popularly known as B’Odogwu.

In response to growing complaints from freight forwarders, Licensed Customs Agents, and shipping stakeholders, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday held a high-level consultation with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, at the Service’s headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting, according to Customs’ spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, provided a platform to deliberate on practical solutions to ease the hitches being experienced since the rollout of B’Odogwu.


Freight operators had expressed frustration over delays, demurrage charges, and disruptions in cargo clearance linked to the system’s integration.

Some stakeholders complained that the platform’s documentation and logistics modules were not fully synchronised with existing port operations, leading to bottlenecks at terminals.

Dr. Akutah, conveying industry feedback on behalf of freight forwarders, said the issues risk undermining Nigeria’s trade competitiveness if not addressed swiftly.

He stressed the urgency of reducing financial losses for importers and exporters who are already contending with rising operational costs.

“The aviation and maritime sectors are built on efficiency. Any disruption in the cargo clearance chain translates to huge financial and reputational losses. Customs and the Shippers’ Council must ensure that the system is stabilised to guarantee a seamless trade environment,” Akutah said.



Responding, CGC Adeniyi reaffirmed that B’Odogwu is central to Customs’ modernisation programme.

He described it as a “game-changer” designed to boost transparency, reduce clearance timelines, and make Nigeria’s ports globally competitive.

“B’Odogwu, being a flagship project, remains critical to achieving a technology-driven and efficient clearance process.

Initial challenges are not unexpected with a reform of this scale, but they will be systematically resolved through structured engagement, phased improvements, and continuous system upgrades,” Adeniyi assured.

He further explained that consultations with shipping lines, terminal operators, and other agencies are ongoing to ensure better system alignment.



The Unified Customs Management System is an indigenous innovation aimed at centralising clearance operations. According to Customs, the platform will:

Reduce clearance timelines by automating key processes.

Cut costs for importers and exporters by minimising paperwork.

Boost compliance and curb revenue leakages.

Increase government revenue through improved efficiency.

Strengthen Nigeria’s trade competitiveness in line with global standards.


Analysts note that successful implementation of B’Odogwu could save billions lost annually to inefficiencies, demurrage, and corrupt practices within the port system.



Both Customs and the Shippers’ Council underscored the need for sustained dialogue with stakeholders to smoothen the transition.

The NCS also acknowledged that teething problems were inevitable but emphasised that safeguards are being implemented to shield operators from excessive costs.

NECA’s maritime desk noted that if properly managed, B’Odogwu could “transform Nigeria’s ports into true hubs for West and Central Africa.”

However, experts warned that poor handling of its rollout could deepen existing inefficiencies.

In closing, Customs appealed for patience and cooperation from the trading community.

“The NCS calls on stakeholders to support the implementation process, provide constructive feedback, and partner with Customs in building a modernised trade ecosystem that promotes efficiency, competitiveness, and national development,” the statement read.


Industry watchers say the Customs–NSC partnership is timely, especially as Nigeria pushes to boost non-oil exports under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

With cargo volumes expected to rise, digitisation of clearance systems will be key to avoiding congestion and aligning with international best practices.

For shippers, the big question remains: how soon will the hitches be resolved? While Customs has promised phased upgrades, businesses are urging faster timelines to prevent trade disruptions.

As consultations continue, all eyes will be on how swiftly B’Odogwu evolves from a troubled launch to the transformative platform it was envisioned to be.