The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the successful issuance of the first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under its new Unified Customs Management System, known as B’Odogwu. This marks a significant milestone in the agency’s drive towards implementing technology-driven trade reforms.
According to a press release issued on April 4, 2025, by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the development signals the beginning of a nationwide rollout of the B’Odogwu system, aimed at modernizing Customs operations and strengthening inter-agency collaboration.
The breakthrough comes shortly after a strategic meeting between the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso. During the meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to seamless trade processes, improved revenue collection, and stronger financial integration.
Developed as a homegrown replacement for the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II), the B’Odogwu platform is designed to enhance efficiency in trade documentation and customs processing. The pilot phase began at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Customs Area Command, with active engagement from relevant government agencies and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.
The issuance of the first PAAR under the B’Odogwu system paves the way for a more streamlined customs procedure and increased trade facilitation across Nigeria’s ports and border stations. The Service also confirmed ongoing efforts to secure the necessary approvals and integrations with financial institutions, including Authorized Dealer Banks (ADBs), to support seamless foreign exchange transactions and trade-related payments.
The NCS leadership, under Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their support and urged the trading community to embrace the B’Odogwu platform as a step towards more transparent, efficient, and technology-driven Customs operations.