The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) made its debut appearance at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) International Business Conference and Expo 2025, which opened in Lagos on Tuesday, 26 August 2025. The event, themed “Invest Nigeria,” brought together policymakers, investors, diplomats, and development partners to explore opportunities within Africa’s largest economy.
Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, the Zonal Coordinator for Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Charles Orbih, said the Service’s participation signals a new era of transparency, innovation, and engagement with the business community.
He explained that the Customs pavilion was designed to showcase ongoing reforms, particularly how technology is driving efficiency in trade facilitation and revenue collection. A central highlight was the Unified Customs Management System, codenamed B’Odogwu, which has streamlined clearance processes.
“We are here to showcase what we are doing as Customs and to enlighten visitors from across Africa and beyond on our reforms. The B’Odogwu project ensures seamless clearance of goods and quick release of containers, thereby boosting trade facilitation,” Orbih said.
Also speaking, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku of the Project Nurturing Unit under the Strategic Research and Policy Department, emphasized the system’s impact on efficiency. “With B’Odogwu, importers can clear goods within days without bottlenecks. The easiest way is the ease of doing business at its best. We are here to show the world that doing business with the Nigeria Customs Service is transparent, fast and effective.”
The Service also displayed reform-focused publications on Authorised Economic Operators, Reputation Management, Clearance Audits and Post-Clearance processes, reflecting efforts to align with World Customs Organisation (WCO) standards.
In his welcome remarks, LCCI President Gabriel Idahosa underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic future. “Nigeria is not just an option for investors. It is an integral part of any viable international investment plan,” he said, pointing to growth prospects in agriculture, renewable energy, technology, creative industries, and real estate.
Delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message, Senator John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, reiterated the government’s reform agenda, citing over 180 initiatives under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), as well as tax reforms, infrastructure renewal, and technology-driven governance to boost competitiveness.
The two-day conference is expected to generate critical dialogue on tackling Nigeria’s investment challenges and positioning the country as a gateway to Africa’s trillion-dollar continental free trade market.
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