The Comptroller.General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reassured stakeholders of the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to a transparent and efficient rollout of the B’Odogwu clearance platform.
He gave the assurance during a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Lagos, themed “Enhancing Trade Compliance and System Optimisation Through Stakeholder Engagement”. The meeting aimed to create a platform for stakeholders to share their concerns and describe their experience using B’Odogwu.
Adeniyi acknowledged reports of challenges but noted that the feedback has not been entirely negative, with some stakeholders, including freight forwarders and agents, providing positive responses. He reiterated the Service’s vision to make B’Odogwu a benchmark for digital trade facilitation, especially since Nigeria currently chairs the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
The CGC also addressed concerns surrounding the newly introduced four per cent (4%) Free On Board (FOB) charge, clarifying that it will replace multiple existing levies. He explained that once the 4% FOB takes effect, the one per cent (1%) Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) will cease, and the seven per cent (7%) cost of collection will be removed.
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.