Adeniyi Customs CG Reassures Stakeholders on B’Odogwu, Promises Seamless, Transparent Trade Transition
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to a transparent, efficient, and inclusive implementation of the B’Odogwu clearance platform, assuring stakeholders of continuous improvements based on their feedback.
He gave this assurance during a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Lagos on Monday, 21 July 2025, with the theme; “Enhancing Trade Compliance and System Optimisation Through Stakeholder Engagement.”
According to him, the town hall resulted from a combination of a series of consultations, some done by the support team, some by ICT, and many by himself over the past two weeks. “It’s important that we create this platform for ourselves so that you can share your concerns with us, so that we can know your experience on the application of B’Odogwu.”
He acknowledged that while there have been reports of challenges, the feedback hasn’t been all negative.“We’ve had a number of positive feebacks from some of our stakeholders, including freight forwarders and agents.
He reaffirmed the Service’s vision to make B’Odogwu a benchmark for digital trade facilitation, particularly as Nigeria currently chairs the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
“Our plan is to make, B’Odogwu the reference point in trade facilitation. Now that the chairmanship of WCO is with us, we also want to show the whole world that we can create and manage a system that is indigenously developed”, he added.
The CGC also clarified misunderstanding surrounding the recently introduced 4% Free On Board (FOB) charge, stating that it will replace other levies. “Once, 4% FOB starts, the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) ceases automatically. It is not only 1% CISS that will be removed, the 7% cost of collection, which is also being charged, will also be completely removed”, he explained.
“Under the new act, 4% FOB is to be paid upfront, and that’s it. Once that is done, it is 100% of the revenue generated by customs that will now go to federation accounts. So it is going to be a win-win situation for all of us.”
In her welcome address, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT/Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeolu, highlighted the strategic importance of stakeholder collaboration. “This Town Hall is not just another event; it is a strategic platform to engage our valued partners in trade on the B’Odogwu Clearance System.”
She stressed that the B’Odogwu project is home-grown, and lauded the support of stakeholders in making the initiative a national success story.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL), Saleh Ahmadu, assured participants of the project’s long-term value.
“As we make this momentous transition into a 21st century Customs Service, TMP’s goal is to ensure the right investment in technology, people, and service. This project will significantly enhance the experience of all users in the trade value chain.”
The town hall featured panel sessions on “Overcoming Common Importer Challenges on B’Odogwu” and “Enhancing Transparency, Speed and Revenue via Full Participation.”
Stakeholders used the opportunity to commend the efficiencies introduced by B’Odogwu, while also raising concerns about system migration, bank-related amendment issues, among others.
A robust question and answer session wrapped up the event, providing needed clarifications on emerging issues.
One Comment