GIE Boss, Echezona Expresses Optimism On Customs’ B’Odogwu Digital Trade Platform

By Roland Ekama

Sequel to the teething problem faced by the Nigeria Customs Service B’ Odogwu  trade platform, Chairman / Managing Director GIE Logistics Limited , Chief Ifechukwu Echezona has expressed optimism that the initiative will address issues of trade facilitation and other associate bottleneck in cargo clearance.

Echezona who spoke with DAILY FOCUS NIGERIA exclusively on Tuesday 22 July 2025, expressed satisfaction with the B”odogwu progress despite the recent teething problem.

According to him , the innovation introduced by the service to boost trade facilitation is laudable and can be perceived as reliable but maintained that change is the only thing constant, despite the recent hiccups. He stated that NICIS 2 also came with its own challenges before the migration to B’Odogwu, while calling on stakeholders and the trading public in the freight forwarding sub sector to exercise patience .

Echezona who is the Chairman, ECH Foundation reiterated that the Comptroller General of Customs understands the peculiarity of international trade, thus modernization of the service operational activities.

He said”We want to commend the Nigeria Customs Service for the introduction of B’odogwu . Though the network is not stable yet but we are optimistic that the platform is good.

“Nothing good comes easy no doubt and we know for sure that the B’ODOGWU has come to stay and to also enhance trade facilitation.

“Despite the short period of the B’ODOGWU ‘s existence, the freight forwarders added that the platform brilliant characteristics and features better of NICIS 2, thus should be encouraged to thrive, in furtherance of a hitch free cargo clearance from the ports.

B’odogwu will work and it’s a fact . I have a strong affirmation that we all will celebrate the establishment of B’odogwu before the end of year but my appeal to my colleagues and other stakeholders should be that we should support the customs “, he added .

 

Meanwhile, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the Service commitment to a transparent, efficient, and inclusive rollout of the B’Odogwu clearance platform, assuring stakeholders of ongoing improvements based on their feedback.

He gave the assurance during a town hall meeting with stakeholders in Lagos on Monday, 21 July 2025, themed “Enhancing Trade Compliance and System Optimisation Through Stakeholder Engagement.”

According to him, the town hall stemmed from a series of consultations—some led by the support team, others by the ICT/Modernisation Department, and many personally by him over the past two weeks.
“It’s important we create this platform to allow you to share your concerns with us and describe your experience using B’Odogwu,” he said.

While acknowledging reports of challenges, the CGC noted that the feedback has not been entirely negative.
“We’ve received a number of positive responses from stakeholders, including freight forwarders and agents,” he added.

Adeniyi reiterated the Service’s vision to make B’Odogwu a benchmark for digital trade facilitation, especially since Nigeria currently chairs the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
“Our goal is to make B’Odogwu the reference point in trade facilitation. Now that Nigeria holds the WCO chairmanship, we want to show the world we can create and manage a home-grown system.”

He also addressed concerns surrounding the newly introduced 4% Free On Board (FOB) charge, clarifying that it will replace multiple existing levies.
“Once the 4% FOB takes effect, the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) will cease automatically. In addition, the 7% cost of collection currently charged will also be completely removed,” he explained.

“Under the new Act, the 4% FOB is paid upfront—and that’s it. Thereafter, 100% of the revenue generated by Customs will go into the Federation Account. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

In her welcome address, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT/Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, underscored the strategic value of stakeholder collaboration.
“This town hall is not just another event; it’s a vital platform to engage our valued trade partners on the B’Odogwu Clearance System.”

She emphasised that B’Odogwu is a locally developed project and praised stakeholders for their support in making it a national success story.

Also speaking, Saleh Ahmadu, Chairman of Trade Modernisation Project Limited (TMPL), assured participants of the initiative’s long-term benefits.
“As we transition into a 21st-century Customs Service, TMPL is committed to investing in the right technology, people, and services. This project will significantly enhance the experience of all users in the trade value chain.”

The town hall featured panel sessions on “Overcoming Common Importer Challenges on B’Odogwu” and “Enhancing Transparency, Speed and Revenue through Full Participation.”

Stakeholders commended the efficiencies introduced by B’Odogwu but also raised concerns about system migration, amendment delays from banks, and related issues.

A robust question-and-answer session wrapped up the event, clarifying key emerging matters.