By Umar Salihu
The Niger State Coordinator of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Dr. Abdulrasheed Mohammed has commended the sustained synergy among stakeholders in Niger State following the sensitization programme on the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), popularly known as B’Odogwu, organized by the Nigeria Customs Service, Niger/Kogi Area Command, held in Minna.
Dr. Abdulrasheed Mohammed was represented at the sensitization progamme by Scientific Officers Saratu Bello and Mrs. Hajara Galadima.
The Niger State Coordinator said that the collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service, traders, importers, the Niger State Chamber of Commerce, the Nigeria Shippers Council and other agencies reflects a shared commitment to advancing trade efficiency, transparency, and industrial development in the state and beyond.
Dr. Abdulrasheed also talked on the importance of the 30% Value Addition Bill, stressing that if passed into law, it would not only boost local content development and enhance industrial growth, but also create jobs and reduce over dependence on imported finished products.
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He further emphasized that the effective implementation of the Bill would require the strong collaboration and support of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in ensuring compliance, facilitating trade, and discouraging the influx of substandard goods into the country.
In his address, the Area Controller of Customs, Niger/Kogi Command, Comptroller PC Chibuoke, said the B’Odogwu platform will enable local clearance of consignments and drastically reduce reliance on Lagos terminals. He emphasized that the system is designed to cut costs, shorten trade processes, and give industries in Niger State quicker access to raw materials. He added that such innovations, supported by the active cooperation of stakeholders, are essential to boosting small and medium enterprises, strengthening value chains, and enhancing the competitiveness of industries in the state.
The resource person, ASC II MM Ibrahim, who guided participants on the safe use of the B’Odogwu platform, particularly the procedure for filing Form M, stressed that the new system is fortified with fraud prevention mechanisms.
He urged participants to always use the official trade portal, avoid unofficial payments, and report any suspicious requests, assuring that the platform provides end-to-end customs services that will transform trade facilitation in Nigeria.
