NCS bets on speed and transparency with B’Odogwu

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is reaffirming its promise of 24-hour cargo clearance, powered by its B’Odogwu modernisation project.

At a stakeholder meeting in Apapa, K.I. Adeola, deputy comptroller-general outlined how the initiative—structured as a 20-year public-private partnership—aims to digitise customs operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and position Nigeria as a trade hub.

With backing from the Federal Executive Council and the Trade Modernization Project Limited, B’Odogwu has already been deployed at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), with early results suggesting a smoother, faster clearance process.

But questions still arise about if it will live up to expectations.

At its core, B’Odogwu represents Nigeria Customs’ most ambitious attempt at reform. Unlike past interventions that barely scratched the surface, this initiative is built on cutting-edge technology and features a unified customs management system to centralise operations, electronic cargo tracking for real-time monitoring, non-intrusive scanners to reduce physical inspections, and risk control centres for better fraud detection.

According to Adeola, the PTML pilot phase has already shown positive results, with importers reporting faster processing and zero downtime since the system’s launch. Next, the project is expected to expand to other major ports, with state-of-the-art scanners rolling out in 2025.

Read also: How B’Odogwu models global strategies to modernize Nigerian trade

But speed alone won’t solve Nigeria’s deeper trade inefficiencies. Importers still battle unpredictable port charges, fluctuating exchange rates, and issues of corruption at the ports.

While Customs officials and their private-sector partners are confident in B’Odogwu’s capabilities, many in the industry remain sceptical. The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has repeatedly raised concerns about training gaps, potential system failures, and the readiness of port operators to adapt to the changes.

Adeola insists that training programmes have been rolled out and that Customs is committed to continuous engagement.

A potentially game-changing addition to the customs revamp is the introduction of peer-to-peer clearance, which Frank Onyeka, customs area controller of Tincan port, describes as a shift from traditional, bureaucratic customs procedures to a more interconnected system.

In theory, this model would cut out middlemen, reduce delays, and make cargo clearance more transparent, and with AfCFTA on the horizon and Nigeria positioning itself as a regional trade leader, the success of B’Odogwu will be a litmus test for how serious the country is about trade reform. If executed well, it could set a precedent for other African nations.

For now, Customs is betting big on B’Odogwu—but whether the system delivers on its 24-hour clearance promise will ultimately depend on more than just technology, Adeola reckons.