Customs Bursts Fake Payment Claims in Trade System Shakeup
The Nigeria Customs Service has dismissed reports that importers and clearing agents are being asked to pay for the migration of Form M documents to the new BODOGWU platform. In a strongly worded statement, Customs spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, described the claims as false, misleading, and without any official backing. He clarified that the ongoing migration from the NICIS II system is a routine technical process, not one that attracts any charges.
Maiwada stressed that at no point did the service authorize or approve any form of payment for the transition. He explained that agents whose Bills of Lading or manifests are already on the BODOGWU platform but whose Form M remains on NICIS II are only expected to submit a soft copy of the Form M to the Technical Supervisor for seamless migration. Once the form is moved, users can view and act on it via their BODOGWU dashboard, including initiating the PAAR process.
The Customs Service warned the public to be wary of fraudsters exploiting the migration to extort money from unsuspecting traders. Under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and a more efficient trade facilitation system. Members of the trading community were urged to report any suspicious demands or actions through official channels.