Yemisi Izuora
Stanbic IBTC Bank recently hosted a two-day interactive workshop for its corporate clients, focusing on the adoption of the Nigeria Customs Service’s newly launched unified customs management system, B’Odogwu.
The specialised training was developed in direct response to businesses’ needs since B’Odogwu’s implementation in March 2025; addressing operational challenges disrupting seamless transactions in Nigeria’s import and export processes.
Nearly 100 key trade clients attended the sessions, receiving hands-on guidance from the Nigeria Customs Service’s B’Odogwu project team.
Seun Ogundolapo, Head, Trade, Transaction Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, stated, “The transition to the new B’Odogwu platform has posed unexpected challenges for many businesses across Nigeria.
As a trusted financial partner, we recognised the urgent need to address this and provide practical solutions. By organising a hands-on workshop that brought together our clients and the Nigerian Customs technical team, we have established a direct channel for addressing concerns and facilitating the adoption of this essential new system.”
Speaking during the training session, Assistant Comptroller Oyindamola Abass Oladepo, B’Odogwu Project Manager, Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Command, Nigeria Customs Service, emphasised that the B’Odogwu digital platform is a comprehensive, end-to-end solution designed to place traders at the centre of various electronic processes.
According to Oyindamola, “This platform facilitates the electronic generation of e-Form M; the electronic processing of Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR); the submission of electronic manifests; the lodgment of electronic import or export documents; the electronic payment of fees; and the self-assessment of declarations by declarants.
The objective of the sensitisation workshop is to highlight the crucial role allocated to traders in self-generating their respective Form M and PAAR on the B’odogwu digital platform, “he stated.
During the interactive workshop sessions, participants gained in-depth understanding of the platform’s functionality; received step-by-step guidance on processing trade documents; and had their specific questions addressed by the system developers. The workshop targeted common challenges experienced by users since the platform’s launch, including navigation struggles, documentation requirements, and submission processes.
Through this workshop, businesses are expected to significantly improve their experiences with the B’Odogwu platform, reduce processing delays, and carry out more efficient trade operations by implementing the knowledge and skills gained.
The initiative reinforces Stanbic IBTC Bank’s position as a leading financial institution facilitating seamless trade operations for Nigerian businesses. By proactively identifying and addressing this critical need, the Bank has demonstrated its deep understanding of client challenges and commitment to providing value beyond traditional banking services.