Customs Denies Charging Fees for Form “M” Migration to B’Odogwu Platform
Author: Muhammad Bashir.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has debunked claims that importers or their agents are required to pay for the migration of their Form “M” from the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) to the recently launched B’Odogwu Trade Management System.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, 11 July 2025, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, described the reports as “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.”
The clarification comes amid rising concerns among clearing agents and importers who alleged that unofficial payments were being demanded to facilitate the transition process.
“For clarity, the ongoing migration process is a technical and administrative task designed and implemented by NCS to ensure seamless continuity of trade documentation following the phased deployment of the B’Odogwu system across Customs Area Commands.” The statement read.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Maiwada, emphasised that the Nigeria Customs Service never introduced, approved, or authorised any fee for migrating Form M from NICIS II to the B’Odogwu system.
He noted that importers whose Bills of Lading or manifests have already been captured on B’Odogwu but have Form M registered under the NICIS II platform are only required to submit a soft copy of their Form “M” to the Technical Supervisor at their command.
He stated that the submission is free and meant to trigger the necessary migration.
“Upon successful migration, traders are expected to log into their dashboard on B’Odogwu, locate the migrated Form M, view its full details, and click on the ‘Create PAAR’ button to proceed with the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) process.” AC Maiwada stated.
The Customs spokesperson also urged stakeholders to disregard anyone demanding payment under the guise of facilitating the migration, describing such acts as illegal.
He advised affected individuals to report such misconduct through the Service’s official communication channels.
Under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Service reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a technology-driven, user-friendly, and transparent trade environment.
“The NCS appreciates the cooperation of the trading public and assures all stakeholders of our continuous support throughout this transition.” The statement added.
