The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched the pilot phase of Form M processing through its newly developed unified customs management system, B’Odogwu, marking a major step in the agency’s digital transformation agenda.
Speaking on the development, NCS spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada highlighted the significance of this initiative in modernising Nigeria’s trade procedures and improving operational efficiency across all customs commands.
Following official approval, the NCS integrated Form M processing into the B’Odogwu Trade Portal and began pilot operations at key locations including the Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited, Tin Can Island Port, and Apapa Area Command. These sites were chosen to enable close monitoring, engage stakeholders, and evaluate system performance.
During the pilot phase, a total of 544 Form M entries were processed. Among these, 283 were successfully registered, 10 validated, and 26 stored for future action.
Additional processing data included 41 entries submitted, 120 returned for corrections, 11 queried, 14 with PAARs locked, and 39 recommended for approval.
Maiwada reported that 37 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAARs) were generated from these entries. Of these, seven were registered, 12 had their Single Goods Declarations processed, two received full approval, eight were flagged for further review, four submitted for processing, and another four queried.
“These figures reflect both the robustness of the system and the learning achieved during live testing across participating commands,” Maiwada stated.
He confirmed that the B’Odogwu system is capable of supporting end-to-end trade documentation under real-time conditions. The pilot program is part of the service’s broader goal to transition nationwide, enhancing customs documentation, increasing transparency, and expediting clearance procedures.
To support this effort, the NCS has called on all carriers—including shipping lines and airlines—to begin submitting their manifests through the B’Odogwu platform. Financial institutions and traders are also encouraged to prepare for the full implementation of the system.
Maiwada reiterated the commitment of Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi to advancing strategic automation initiatives that drive trade facilitation, improve revenue collection, and contribute to national development.
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