By MARTHA AGAS

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued its first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) under B?Odogwu, its homegrown Unified Customs Management System.

NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, confirmed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja. He described it as a major milestone in the service?s commitment to technology-driven trade reforms.

PAAR is used to assess and verify the value, classification, and duty payable on imported goods before they arrive in Nigeria, ensuring compliance and transparency in trade processes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCS developed B?Odogwu under its Trade Modernisation Project to automate operations and align with international standards.

The pilot phase launched in October 2024 at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Customs Area Command in Lagos, with gradual implementation nationwide.

Maiwada said issuing the first PAAR marks the beginning of B?Odogwu?s national rollout, aimed at streamlining customs procedures and enhancing trade facilitation across Nigeria.

NAN recalls that Customs? Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, stated that the service, in collaboration with banks, was working to integrate PAAR and Form ?M? into the system.

Maiwada explained that once integrated, nearly 70 to 80 per cent of the service?s operations would be automated, significantly improving efficiency and transparency in customs processes.

He added that all necessary approvals and integrations with financial institutions, including Authorised Dealer Banks (ADBs), were being finalised for seamless foreign exchange transactions and payments.

According to him, this milestone follows a recent strategic meeting with the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso.

During the meeting, both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing trade processes, improving revenue collection, and strengthening financial integration for better economic outcomes.

Maiwada stated that B?Odogwu replaces the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) and aims to modernise operations, enhancing efficiency and inter-agency collaboration.

He said stakeholders, including government agencies, were engaged during the pilot phase to ensure a smooth transition and effective implementation of the new system.

He urged stakeholders to adopt the software, supporting modernisation objectives and improving operational efficiency within the customs and trade sectors.

?The NCS, under the leadership of Adewale Adeniyi and his team, appreciates the support of all stakeholders.

?He encourages the trading community to embrace B?Odogwu for more efficient, transparent, and technology-driven customs processes,? Maiwada added. (NAN)

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