Nigeria Customs Denies Charging for Form M Migration to B’Odogwu System, Warns Against Fraudsters
Nigeria Customs says Form M migration to the new B’Odogwu platform is completely free.
Amid fraud concerns, importers are warned against paying unofficial fees for technical document transfers.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has firmly denied reports suggesting that importers or clearing agents are being charged fees to migrate their Form M documents from the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) II to the newly launched B’Odogwu Trade Management System.
In an official statement released on Friday, July 11, 2025, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer, clarified on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, that the migration is strictly an internal technical process and is free of charge.
“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.
Maiwada emphasized that at no point has the Customs Service introduced, approved, or authorized any fee for transferring Form M entries to the new platform. He urged importers and licensed agents to disregard anyone requesting payments under the pretext of facilitating the transition.
According to the NCS, importers or agents whose Bills of Lading (BoL) or manifests have been shifted to the B’Odogwu system but whose Form M remains on NICIS II must submit a soft copy of the Form M to the Technical Supervisor (TS) at their respective Area Command.
Once the migration is completed, users can:
- Log in to the B’Odogwu dashboard.
- Locate the now-migrated “registered” Form M.
- View the full details of the form.
- Click the “Create PAAR” button to begin the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) process.
This process is entirely free and managed by designated Customs officers.
The NCS has warned stakeholders to be cautious of individuals or groups attempting to exploit the situation. Any attempt to solicit money under the guise of aiding with Form M migration is not only unauthorized but also illegal.
“The Service urges all stakeholders to disregard any person or group demanding payment under the guise of facilitating Form M migration. Such practices are not only illegal but also undermine the Service’s commitment to transparency and trade facilitation,” the statement noted.
Victims or witnesses of such fraudulent activity are advised to report it through the NCS’s official communication channels for prompt action.
The B’Odogwu Trade Management System is a modern digital platform introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025 to replace the older NICIS II system. It is designed to enhance customs operations by digitizing import processes, reducing paperwork, and increasing transparency.
Form M is a mandatory documentation requirement for importers in Nigeria. It contains crucial information such as the importer’s name, the type and value of goods, and the country of origin. The document enables the government to verify the legality of imported goods, assess accurate customs duties, and enforce import regulations.
