Customs Refutes Alleged Migration Charges from Form M to B’Odogwu

Customs Refutes Alleged Migration Charges from Form M to B’Odogwu

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has refuted claims that importers or their agents are required to pay fees for the migration of their Form M from the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) II to the newly implemented B’Odogwu Trade Management System.

In a statement signed Friday by the National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS described the allegations as “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.”

The NCS clarified that the ongoing migration process is a technical and administrative initiative aimed at ensuring a seamless transition of trade documentation as the B’Odogwu system is gradually deployed across Customs Area Commands.

“At no point has the NCS introduced, approved, or authorized any fee for migrating Form M from NICIS II to B’Odogwu,” Maiwada emphasized.

Importers and agents whose Bills of Lading (BoL) or manifests have already been transmitted to B’Odogwu but whose Form M was originally registered on NICIS II are required to submit a soft copy of their existing Form M to the Technical Supervisor (TS) in their Command of operation.

This submission will facilitate the necessary migration at no cost to the trader. “We want to ensure that this process is as smooth as possible for all stakeholders involved,” Maiwada added.

The statement added that once the migration is successfully completed, traders can log into their dashboard on B’Odogwu to locate their migrated “registered” Form M. They can then click on it to view the full details and use the “Create PAAR” button to proceed with PAAR processing.

The NCS therefore urged all stakeholders to disregard any individuals or groups demanding payment for Form M migration, labeling such practices as illegal and detrimental to the Service’s commitment to transparency and trade facilitation.

“We encourage affected persons to report any misconduct through our official channels.

“Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale  Adeniyi, MFR and his management team, the Service remains committed to delivering a user-friendly, transparent, and efficient trade environment powered by technology and integrity.

We appreciate the cooperation of the trading public and assure all stakeholders of our continuous support throughout this transition,” Maiwada affirmed.