Service warns against fraudsters as trade documents transition from NICIS II to B’Odogwu system

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has debunked claims that importers must pay to migrate their Form M documents to the new B’Odogwu Trade Management System. In a statement signed by National PRO Abdullahi Maiwada, the Service clarified that the ongoing transition from the legacy NICIS II platform is entirely free for traders.

The migration, described as a “technical and administrative task,” requires only that affected importers submit soft copies of existing Form M documents to their designated Customs Command Technical Supervisors. “At no point has NCS introduced, approved or authorized any migration fees,” the statement emphasized, warning against fraudulent middlemen soliciting payments.

Traders whose Bills of Lading have already transferred to B’Odogwu can access migrated Form M documents via their dashboards, where a “Create PAAR” button will enable seamless continuation of Pre-Arrival Assessment Report processing. The NCS urged stakeholders to report any unauthorized fee demands through official channels.

Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to tech-driven trade facilitation, noting the phased B’Odogwu rollout aims to enhance transparency. The clarification comes amid Nigeria’s broader push to digitize port operations, with the new system expected to reduce clearance times and curb illicit financial practices at borders.