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NCS, Shippers’ Council Hold Strategic Talks on B’Odogwu System Challenges
NCS, Shippers’ Council Hold Strategic Talks on B’Odogwu System Challenges
Port stakeholders raise concerns over delays, demurrage charges
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) have commenced high-level consultations to address mounting concerns over the implementation of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, following complaints from port users about operational delays and increased demurrage charges.
The meeting between Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and NSC Executive Secretary Dr. Akutah Ukeyima on Monday, August 19, 2025, followed concerns raised by freight forwarders and Licensed Customs Agents regarding delays and demurrage linked to the B’Odogwu rollout.
The consultation comes as port operators and freight forwarders report significant disruptions to cargo clearance processes since the digital platform’s deployment across Nigerian seaports.
B’Odogwu is an indigenous digital platform designed to centralise Customs processes, integrate stakeholders within a single system, shorten clearance timelines, cut costs, enhance compliance, and strengthen government revenue.
The system represents a significant shift from previous customs management approaches, promising to create a unified digital ecosystem connecting all port stakeholders from shipping lines to freight forwarders, terminal operators, and customs agents.
Described as an indigenous innovation, B’Odogwu aims to centralise Customs processes, cut clearance timelines, boost compliance, and strengthen government revenue through an integrated platform linking all stakeholders.
The waterways industry has experienced teething problems during the system’s rollout, with particular concerns about extended cargo dwell times and their impact on Nigeria’s port competitiveness. Port users have reported challenges in adapting to the new digital processes, leading to operational bottlenecks that affect vessel turnaround times.
The collaboration between NCS and the Shippers’ Council is seen as crucial for the maritime sector, given the NSC’s role as the apex organization representing cargo owners’ interests and ensuring efficient port operations.
Customs has urged industry players to support the initiative and provide constructive feedback as both agencies work to iron out implementation challenges.
The ongoing consultations underscore the critical importance of stakeholder engagement in Nigeria’s port modernization drive, particularly as the country seeks to maintain its position as West Africa’s premier maritime hub.
Industry observers expect the dialogue to produce actionable solutions that will enhance the efficiency of cargo clearance processes while maintaining the security and revenue objectives of the B’Odogwu system.
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