By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the successful issuance of the first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under the B’Odogwu (Unified Customs Management System).
This marking a significant milestone in the Service’s commitment to technology-driven trade reforms.
AC Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer, in a signed statement disclosed that 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 commitments to seamless trade processes, enhanced revenue collection and improved financial integration.
The statement added that 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.
It added that during the pilot phase at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Customs Area Command and beyond, the Service actively engaged stakeholders, including other government agencies, to ensure success 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 completing all necessary approvals and integrations with financial institutions, including Authorized Dealer Banks (ADBs), 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.”
