Nigeria Customs Warns Importers: Beware of Fake Agents Demanding Fees for Form M Migration

As Nigeria continues its digital transformation in trade facilitation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a clear and urgent warning to importers and clearing agents: Beware of fraudsters posing as agents who demand payment for the migration of Form M to the newly introduced B’Odogwu platform.

No Fees Required for Form M Migration

The NCS has categorically stated that the transition from the current NICIS II system to the B’Odogwu trade automation platform is a purely technical upgrade, designed to enhance transparency, speed, and efficiency in trade processing. There is no financial obligation for importers or agents to migrate their Form M records.

In a public statement, the agency debunked claims that users must pay to move their records into the new platform. It clarified that anyone demanding payment is acting fraudulently, and such requests must be reported immediately.

What Is the B’Odogwu Platform?

B’Odogwu is part of a new digital infrastructure introduced by Nigeria Customs to improve its trade processes. Integrated with the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) system, the B’Odogwu platform is designed to:

• Enable faster clearance processes
• Promote transparency and accountability
• Eliminate manual bottlenecks and fraud

How to Migrate to B’Odogwu (The Right Way)

The migration process is straightforward and free:

1. Importers or agents are to submit a soft copy of Form M to the designated Technical Supervisor in their operational zone.

2. The technical team handles the data migration internally, without any additional paperwork or fees.
   
   

No external agents are authorized to collect money or intervene in this process.

What Importers Should Do

• Verify all migration communications through official NCS channels.
• Avoid making payments to any unofficial representatives or middlemen.
• Report any suspicious activity or payment requests to the Nigeria Customs anti-corruption or compliance desk.

The National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada

Building a Transparent Trade Ecosystem

This move by Nigeria Customs underscores its commitment to eliminating corruption and improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria. Importers, exporters, and logistics professionals are encouraged to stay informed and collaborate with NCS to ensure a smooth transition into this new digital era.

Stay alert. Stay compliant. Say no to fraud.
For official updates, always consult the Nigeria Customs website or visit your regional office.