Customs Debunks Payment Rumours Over Form M Migration to B’Odogwu Platform
Traders urged to ignore fraudsters as migration process remains free
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has refuted claims circulating within the trading community that importers and clearing agents are required to pay fees to migrate their Form M records from the NICIS II platform to the new B’Odogwu Trade Management System.
In an official statement issued by the Service, the NCS described the reports as “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.”
The ongoing migration process, according to Customs, is a technical and administrative transition designed to ensure seamless continuity of trade documentation as the Service continues the phased rollout of its new digital trade platform—B’Odogwu—across various Area Commands nationwide.
“The migration of Form M is not a service for sale. It is being handled internally by our team at no cost to the trading public,” the statement emphasized.
Customs clarified that importers and agents whose Bills of Lading (BoL) or shipping manifests have already been received on the B’Odogwu platform—but who initially registered their Form M on NICIS II—are only required to submit a soft copy of their existing Form M to the Technical Supervisor (TS) at their Area Command. This step enables the Service to complete the migration process without any charges.
Once migration is completed, users can log into the B’Odogwu portal and access their registered Form M under their dashboard. They will be able to review the details and proceed to initiate PAAR (Pre-Arrival Assessment Report) processing via a designated button.
NCS also issued a stern warning against individuals or groups posing as facilitators and requesting payment to carry out the Form M migration.
“Such activities are not only illegal but also counterproductive to our efforts in building a transparent and efficient trade environment,” the statement warned. “Anyone approached for such payments should immediately report to the nearest Customs office or via official NCS communication channels.”
Under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, the Service reiterated its commitment to transparency, integrity, and technology-driven reforms aimed at simplifying trade processes in Nigeria.
“The trading public should remain vigilant, report fraudulent practices, and take full advantage of the free and improved services being rolled out,” Customs urged.
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