The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed claims circulating in some quarters that importers and clearing agents are required to pay for the migration of their Form M from the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) to the newly introduced B’Odogwu Trade Management System.
In a press statement issued on Friday, July 11, 2025, and signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the Service described such claims as “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.”
The statement clarified that the migration process is a technical and administrative initiative spearheaded by the NCS to ensure smooth transition and continuity in trade documentation following the phased rollout of the B’Odogwu system across various Customs Area Commands.
Maiwada emphasized that at no point has the NCS approved or authorised the collection of fees for migrating Form M, which is an integral part of pre-import documentation.
“For importers or agents whose Bills of Lading or manifests have already been transmitted to B’Odogwu, but whose Form M was registered under NICIS II, the process requires only the submission of a soft copy of the existing Form M to the Technical Supervisor in their Command,” the statement read. “This service is rendered at **no cost** to the trader.”
Following successful migration, users are expected to log into their dashboard on the B’Odogwu platform to access the registered Form M, verify its details, and proceed with the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) processing using the “Create PAAR” feature.
The NCS also warned stakeholders against falling victim to individuals or groups soliciting payments under the guise of facilitating the Form M migration. It advised traders to report any such illegal demands through official Customs channels.
Reaffirming the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation, transparency, and digital innovation, the statement noted that the migration is part of broader efforts under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to foster a more efficient and technology-driven customs environment.
The Service appreciated the cooperation of the trading public and assured all stakeholders of its continued support during the transition to the B’Odogwu system.