In a major boost to Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to resume 24-hour cargo clearance operations. This move is part of the ambitious B’Odogwu project aimed at modernising the nation’s customs processes and enhancing efficiency at the country’s ports.
The announcement was made during a stakeholder engagement session held in Apapa on Monday, where K.I. Adeola, Deputy Comptroller General in charge of ICT and Modernisation, addressed key players in the maritime and trade sectors.
“B’Odogwu represents a transformative step forward for Nigeria’s trade facilitation,” Adeola said, adding that the project would not only focus on integrating advanced technology but would also enhance revenue generation and streamline operations across the board. The resumption of 24-hour cargo clearance is expected to significantly reduce congestion at Nigerian ports, facilitating smoother trade flows and faster processing times.
The B’Odogwu project, which was initially approved in May 2022 and later ratified by the Federal Executive Council in April 2023, is a part of a 20-year public-private partnership (PPP) between the NCS and the Trade Modernisation Project unit. This long-term collaboration aims to address long-standing inefficiencies at Nigerian ports and overhaul customs operations.
B’Odogwu: The Future of Nigeria’s Ports
The core of the B’Odogwu project lies in its focus on integrating digital solutions and improving operational processes within the Nigeria Customs Service. Adeola explained that the initiative’s success hinges on modernising trade facilitation processes and boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.
“The project is not just about installing new technology. It’s about ensuring that we have a holistic and effective system that enhances trade efficiency, boosts compliance, and ultimately generates more revenue for the country,” Adeola remarked.
The 24-hour clearance operation is seen as a critical component of B’Odogwu, addressing one of the biggest challenges faced by the country’s maritime sector: delays in cargo processing. Port congestion has long been a problem for Nigeria, causing significant delays and increasing costs for both importers and exporters. The resumption of round-the-clock operations is expected to alleviate these bottlenecks, creating a more business-friendly environment.
The Road to Implementation
The resumption of 24-hour cargo clearance is part of the broader NCS strategy to modernise its systems and align Nigeria’s ports with global best practices. The project’s emphasis on automation and digitalisation is intended to eliminate inefficiencies associated with manual processes, ensuring that customs officers can focus on higher-value tasks, while technology handles repetitive processes.
During the stakeholder engagement, Adeola emphasised the collaborative efforts between terminal operators, customs officers, and other key stakeholders. “We are all in this together,” he stated. “The success of B’Odogwu will depend on how well we work in unison to ensure smooth operations and clear communication among all parties involved.”
As part of the discussions, terminal operators and customs officers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the project is implemented without hitches. The NCS and private sector partners will now move forward with the necessary upgrades to infrastructure and training, ensuring that the systems are ready to support the 24-hour clearance operation.
The partnership between the NCS and private investors in the B’Odogwu project highlights the growing importance of public-private collaborations in transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure. The Federal Government has been focusing on revitalising key sectors, and modernising the customs service is seen as a crucial step in improving trade and industrial output across the country.
A Step Toward Economic Growth
The 24-hour cargo clearance initiative is expected to have a profound impact on Nigeria’s economy. By streamlining customs processes and making trade more efficient, Nigeria’s ports will become more attractive to international investors and businesses. This, in turn, could lead to an increase in both imports and exports, as well as enhanced regional competitiveness.
“By introducing these reforms, Nigeria will not only facilitate trade more efficiently but also boost investor confidence,” said Adeola. “This is a long-term project, and we are committed to ensuring that it succeeds in transforming the country’s trade landscape.”
The resumption of 24-hour operations will also create more jobs within the maritime sector, offering opportunities for skilled workers and contributing to economic diversification. Adeola highlighted that the project’s impact would be felt across the country as port efficiency improves and the logistics sector thrives.
Stakeholder Reactions
Reactions from the private sector have been overwhelmingly positive, with many stakeholders expressing optimism about the project’s potential to rejuvenate the country’s ports and reduce the costs of doing business in Nigeria. Terminal operators have long called for reforms to improve operational efficiency, and the B’Odogwu project appears to be the solution they have been waiting for.
“The automation of customs processes will help eliminate bottlenecks that have plagued Nigerian ports for years,” said a senior executive with one of the nation’s largest terminal operations. “This project will not only save time but will also reduce the overall cost of doing business in the country.”
Additionally, the move to 24-hour operations will help bring Nigeria’s ports closer in line with global standards, where many major ports around the world operate continuously to meet growing demand. The increased efficiency will also lead to quicker clearance times, ensuring that goods move smoothly through the ports and on to their final destinations.
A Long-Term Vision
While the immediate focus is on the resumption of 24-hour clearance, the B’Odogwu project is about more than just short-term improvements. Adeola stressed that the modernisation initiative is part of a longer-term vision for the NCS and the nation’s trade policies. The project’s goal is to create a lasting impact on the country’s trade infrastructure that will endure for decades.
“This project is a game-changer for Nigeria,” said Adeola. “It’s not just about today or tomorrow; we are building a system that will benefit future generations and position Nigeria as a key player in the global trade arena.”
