Nigeria’s B’Odogwu Trade Platform Stands Tall

…As Customs Roll Out First PAAR

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Insinuations in certain quarters that Nigeria still has a long road to travel in indigenous customs trade technology and modernization took the backstage recently when the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) rolled out the first pre-arrival assessment report (PAAR) from the country’s B’Odogwu platform.

B’Odogwu pilot scheme which was launched  in October 2024 at the Ports Multi-purpose Terminal Limited )PTML) port  received a rebound when the nation’s first two major ports, the Lagos premier port at Apapa and Tin-Can Island port, respectively,  keyed into the system; marking the beginning of B’Odogwu’s full blown operation across the nation.

Announcing the significant milestone achieved with the issuance of the first PAAR from B’Odogwu, signaled Nigeria’s successful independence from foreign assisted technology platforms for managing Nigeria’s customs trade.

The Spokesman of NCS, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada in a release described the feat as a welcome development, making the Nigeria Customs Service one organ of government that has demonstrated unremitting commitment and focus in driving the national economy.

It must be placed on record that this innovation was led by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose conviction and courage together with that of his management team, gave verve to the modernization project.

A worthy disciple and apostle of change, Adeniyi put all his energy and attention into  the localization of Nigeria customs trade technology pioneered by his former boss and CGC, Abdullahi Inde Dikko, of blessed memory.

The release titled ‘Nigeria Customs Service Issues First PAAR Under B’Odogwu Trade Management System’ reads:

“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is pleased to announce the successful issuance of the first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under the B’Odogwu  (Unified Customs Management System), marking a significant milestone in the Service’s commitment to technology-driven trade reforms.

“This achievement follows the recent strategic engagement between the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, where both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to seamless trade processes, enhanced revenue collection, and improved financial integration.

“The B’Odogwu system, developed as an indigenous replacement for the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II), is designed to modernise Customs operations, enhance efficiency in trade documentation, and strengthen inter-agency collaboration. During the pilot phase at Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Customs Area Command and beyond, stakeholders, including other government agencies, were actively engaged to ensure a smooth transition.

“The issuance of the first PAAR under B’Odogwu marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout aimed at streamlining customs procedures and enhancing trade facilitation. The Service remains committed to ensuring that all necessary approvals and integrations with financial institutions, including Authorized Dealer Banks (ADBs), are completed to enable seamless foreign exchange transactions and trade-related payments.

“The NCS, under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team, appreciates the support of all stakeholders and urges the trading community to embrace the B’Odogwu platform for a more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven Customs processes.”