The Federal Capital Territory Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified efforts to improve compliance and operational efficiency through a sensitisation programme on the B’Odogwu digital system for stakeholders in the cargo clearance chain.
The engagement, held on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 at the Command’s Conference Hall, brought together licensed customs agents, importers, and other trade facilitators. Discussions focused on enhancing understanding of procedure codes, declaration processes, and documentation standards required for effective utilisation of the platform.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Chinwe Aliboh, emphasised the critical role of accurate data reporting in strengthening national policy formulation and improving service delivery across government institutions.
She stated that reliable data remains central to decision making and urged stakeholders to ensure precision in declarations, warning against vague or incomplete descriptions. She further noted that sustained participation in sensitisation initiatives would promote compliance and improve overall system efficiency.
Comptroller Aliboh described the B’Odogwu platform as a reform initiative designed to modernise customs operations, reduce clearance delays, and enhance transparency in cargo processing. She called on stakeholders to adhere strictly to established procedures and ensure full compliance with documentation requirements.
Technical sessions were delivered by officers of the Command, who provided detailed explanations on the operational structure of the system. Key areas addressed included correct application of procedure codes, accurate classification of goods, and comprehensive documentation standards.
Participants were also taken through common operational challenges such as declaration errors, misuse of codes, and incomplete documentation, alongside practical solutions aimed at improving efficiency and reducing delays in cargo processing.
The interactive forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to engage Customs officers directly, seek clarification, and share operational experiences, thereby strengthening collaboration between the Service and the trading community.
In his closing remarks, the Deputy Comptroller Administration, Louis Ettum, commended participants for their engagement and encouraged deeper understanding of procedure codes and documentation processes. He noted that improved compliance would significantly enhance operational efficiency and facilitate smoother trade processes within the Command.