NCS LAUNCHES B’ODOGWU PILOT FOR STREAMLINED FORM M PROCESSING
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is proud to announce the successful launch of the pilot phase for Form M processing via the B’Odogwu platform (Unified Customs Management System) across all commands. This milestone marks another significant step in the Service’s technology-driven reforms, aimed at modernizing trade procedures and boosting operational efficiency.
“After obtaining approval to integrate Form M processing into the B’Odogwu Trade Portal, preparatory activities began at three designated Customs Commands: Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML), Tin Can Island Port, and Apapa Area Command. These strategic locations were chosen to pilot the initiative in a controlled environment, facilitating close monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and performance evaluation.
During this period, a total of five hundred and forty-four (544) Form M entries were processed. Of these, 283 were successfully registered, 10 were validated, and 26 were stored for further action. Additionally, 41 entries were submitted, 120 were returned for corrections, 11 were queried, 14 had their PAARs locked, and 39 were recommended for approval. These figures reflect the robust testing and iterative learning across all participating commands.
Furthermore, a total of 37 Pre-Arrival Assessment Reports (PAARs) were generated from the processed Forms M. Out of these, 7 PAARs were registered, 12 had their Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) processed, 2 were fully approved, 8 were recommended for further review, 4 were submitted for processing, and 4 were queried. This outcome confirms the operational capacity of the B’Odogwu system to support end-to-end trade documentation during live implementation.
The successful implementation of the Form M pilot on the B’Odogwu platform signals the beginning of a nationwide transition that will streamline customs documentation, enhance transparency, and promote faster clearance timelines. Consequently, to enhance trade facilitation and supply chain security in the ongoing pilot phase, NCS encourages all carriers (shipping lines and airlines) to commence transmission of manifests to the B’dogwu platform while ensuring that all key stakeholders, particularly the financial institutions and traders, are adequately engaged and prepared for full deployment.
Under the visionary leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the Service will continue to pursue strategic automation initiatives that consolidate its role in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national development.
About The Author
