Nigeria Customs explains reason for import clearance delays
The Nigeria Customs Service has explained that imported clearance delays are due to the implementation of its Unified Customs Management System, known as B’Odogwu.
The spokesman of NSC disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, after the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, met with the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr, Akutah Ukeyima, on Monday.
This comes amid outrage over import clearance delays and related issues facing freight forwarders and agents.
Ukeyima conveyed industry feedback from freight forwarders and agents, noting operational challenges related to system integration, documentation, and port logistics.
He urged the need for urgent responses to minimise financial losses and prevent disruptions in the cargo clearance chain.
Reacting, Adeniyi assured that challenges in this initial phase of the B’Odogwu rollout would be systematically resolved through structured stakeholder engagement, phased improvements, and continuous system upgrades.
The Service also emphasised that while transitional issues are expected in large-scale reforms, measures are being implemented to limit disruptions and shield operators from excessive costs such as demurrage.
“It is pertinent to note that the B’Odogwu is an indigenous platform aimed at centralising Customs processes, integrating stakeholders into a unified system while cutting clearance timelines, reducing costs, boosting compliance, and strengthening government revenue. The NCS, therefore, calls on stakeholders to support the implementation process, provide constructive feedback, and partner with Customs in building a modernised trade ecosystem that promotes efficiency, competitiveness, and national development,” the statement reads.
