Nigeria Customs Service Enhances Trade Efficiency with Full Bank Integration and B’Odogwu System
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the full integration of all commercial banks for Form ‘M’ openings, a significant step in improving Nigeria’s trade facilitation processes. This move is part of the broader strategy to modernize customs operations and streamline trade documentation. The integration will simplify the process for traders, improve efficiency, and ensure that revenue collection is more effective. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has instructed authorized dealer banks to support this new system, ensuring smoother trade transactions for Nigerian businesses.
This integration is accompanied by the deployment of the indigenous “B’Odogwu” trade facilitation tool, which was successfully piloted at the PTML Command in 2024. The B’Odogwu system, designed to replace the outdated Nigerian Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II), aims to enhance Nigeria’s customs operations, reducing delays and improving trade efficiency. By including all commercial banks in the platform, the NCS intends to eliminate bottlenecks in trade transactions and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global trade.
Comptroller-General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, highlighted the importance of this integration, emphasizing its role in boosting revenue collection and modernizing Nigeria’s customs operations. He noted that the new system, developed by the Nigerian firm TMP Limited, addresses the frustrations caused by NICIS II and offers a more efficient solution. Adeniyi also explained that B’Odogwu’s name, which combines “Border” and “Odogwu” (meaning strength and leadership), reflects Nigeria’s desire to lead in customs modernization in Africa.
The system’s deployment to major ports, such as Apapa and Tin Can Island in Lagos, marks the next phase of the modernization process. Adeniyi confirmed the strategic timing of this rollout, which will align with the Customs Service’s broader transformation agenda. The NCS has also invested in training for officers and stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the B’Odogwu system, positioning the agency as a leader in customs innovation across Africa.
SOURCE: VANGUARD