By Peace Udugba.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has assured stakeholders that the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to a seamless and transparent transition to the B’Odogwu clearance platform. The assurance was made during a town hall meeting in Lagos, themed “Enhancing Trade Compliance and System Optimisation Through Stakeholder Engagement.
The town hall meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to share their concerns and experiences with the B’Odogwu platform. Adeniyi noted that while there have been reports of challenges, the feedback has not been entirely negative, with some stakeholders, including freight forwarders and agents, providing positive responses.
The CGC reiterated the Service’s vision to make B’Odogwu a benchmark for digital trade facilitation, especially with Nigeria currently chairing the World Customs Organisation (WCO). “Our goal is to make B’Odogwu the reference point in trade facilitation,” he said.
Adeniyi also addressed concerns surrounding the newly introduced 4% Free On Board (FOB) charge, clarifying that it will replace multiple existing levies. “Once the 4% FOB takes effect, the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) will cease automatically, he explained.
The Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT/Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, underscored the strategic value of stakeholder collaboration, while the Chairman of Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL), Saleh Ahmadu, assured participants of the initiative’s long-term benefits.
The town hall featured panel sessions on overcoming common importer challenges and enhancing transparency, speed, and revenue through full participation. Stakeholders commended the efficiencies introduced by B’Odogwu but also raised concerns about system migration and amendment delays from banks. A robust question-and-answer session wrapped up the event, clarifying key emerging matters.
