Nigeria Customs Dismisses Payment Claims in Form M Migration

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has refuted claims circulating among importers and clearing agents suggesting that payments are required to migrate Form M from the NICIS II platform to the new B’Odogwu Trade Management System.

In a statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, the NCS described the reports as “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.”

The Customs Service explained that the migration process is purely administrative and technical, aimed at ensuring a seamless transition of trade documentation to the upgraded B’Odogwu system currently being deployed across Customs Area Commands.

“For clarity, the ongoing migration process is a technical and administrative task designed and implemented by NCS to ensure seamless continuity of trade documentation,” Maiwada stated. “It is worth noting that at no point has the NCS introduced, approved, or authorised any fee for migrating Form M from NICIS II to B’Odogwu.”

The statement added that importers and agents whose Bills of Lading or shipping manifests have already been transmitted to B’Odogwu, but whose Form M was originally registered on NICIS II, are simply required to submit a soft copy of the existing Form M to the Technical Supervisor at their Customs Command — at no cost.

“Upon successful migration,” the statement continued, “traders are expected to log into their dashboard on B’Odogwu, locate the already migrated ‘registered’ Form M, view its full details, and use the ‘Create PAAR’ button to proceed with PAAR processing.”

Maiwada urged stakeholders to disregard any individual or group demanding money to assist with the migration, describing such activities as fraudulent and illegal.

“The Service urges all stakeholders to disregard any person or group demanding payment under the guise of facilitating Form M migration,” he warned. “Such practices undermine the Service’s commitment to transparency and trade facilitation.”

He encouraged those affected to report any misconduct through official NCS channels.

Reaffirming its commitment to a more efficient trade environment, Maiwada noted that the migration aligns with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, to strengthen the agency’s digital systems and foster transparency.

“The NCS remains committed to delivering a user-friendly, transparent, and efficient trade environment powered by technology and integrity,” the statement concluded. “We appreciate the cooperation of the trading public and assure all stakeholders of our continuous support throughout this transition.”