Nigeria has taken a bold step toward modernising its customs processes with the official go-live of the B’Odogwu software at Apapa and Tin Can Ports – two of West Africa’s busiest trade gateways. This milestone is part of a broader digital transformation led by Nigerian Customs in collaboration with cbxp, aimed at streamlining border operations, increasing transparency and cutting clearance delays.

A new standard for digital customs

The B’Odogwu system is an intelligent customs processing platform developed to digitise and automate routine procedures at Nigeria’s seaports. With its implementation at Apapa and Tin Can, more than 60% of Nigeria’s containerised imports are now managed through a secure, rules-driven environment designed to eliminate bottlenecks and reduce human error.

The rollout includes:

• Automated entry and declaration validation

• Real-time status updates for importers and agents

• Enhanced risk profiling to focus on non-compliant shipments

• Seamless integration with ASYCUDA and other customs systems

The system also supports direct messaging with brokers, automated HS code validation, and pre-clearance documentation uploads – removing much of the back-and-forth that has historically slowed down customs clearance.

Why its transformational

Apapa and Tin Can Island handle a combined volume of over 1.5 million TEUs annually, making them critical arteries for Nigerian trade. But until now, clearance times have been inconsistent—often taking days or even weeks due to outdated processes and fragmented communications.

With B’Odogwu now operational:

• Average clearance times are expected to fall by 30–50%

• Importers benefit from greater predictability and reduced demurrage

• Brokers and agents can manage documents digitally, from anywhere

• Customs authorities gain new visibility into traffic, trends, and risk profiles

Built for brokers, backed by data

B’Odogwu was designed with direct input from Nigeria’s customs brokers and freight agents. During early pilots, the system was credited with reducing entry errors by 70% and cutting down the time required for inspection clearance by half.

Now at scale in Lagos’s busiest ports, the platform draws on real-time trade data to support targeted enforcement and post-clearance audits. Its dashboard-style interface offers simplicity for users and strategic oversight for port authorities.

A blueprint for the future

The successful implementation at Apapa and Tin Can Island is a proof point for broader adoption across Nigeria and potentially across West Africa. With increasing volumes of trade and rising pressure to digitise, the Nigerian Customs Service is setting an example for how modern tools can drive both efficiency and revenue growth.

cb-xp and our partners are already in talks to expand the software to other key ports and border posts, including Onne, Calabar, and Seme. Additional features – such as machine learning for anomaly detection and mobile accessibility – are also in development.

What’s next?

Over the coming weeks, Nigerian Customs will host onboarding workshops for brokers and agents, supported by video tutorials and real-time help desks. cb-xp will also launch a performance dashboard allowing port authorities and oversight bodies to monitor clearance trends in near real-time.

As Nigeria strengthens its position as a trade hub for Africa, the success of B’Odogwu at Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports prove that with the right systems, customs clearance can be faster, smarter, and fairer.

🗞️In the press

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cb-xp uses artificial intelligence to streamline operations, automate compliance, and deliver real-time insights across the entire customs journey. This means smarter borders, faster clearances and more secure trade environments.

For Governments and customs authorities

Customs agencies face growing volumes, tightening security requirements, and ever-increasing expectations for speed and transparency. 

Our platforms are designed to help. From automated anomaly detection to intelligent risk scoring, we enables agencies to flag non-compliant shipments faster and more accurately. With AI, customs teams can prioritise high-risk consignments, reduce processing time and redeploy staff to high-value tasks.

By integrating with national and regional systems, our solutions are tailored to the specific needs of each country – whether this be local regulatory frameworks to wider trade facilitation goals.

For brokers, agents and traders

Brokers and agents are under constant pressure to get declarations right the first time. We reduce that burden by offering automated HS code suggestions, error detection and intelligent document validation.

This results in fewer delays, fewer penalties, and more efficient cross-border transactions. It also empowers agents to take on a more strategic advisory role for their clients – while AI does the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

A major opportunity for the European Union

The EU is already a global leader in digital policy – but when it comes to customs, there’s more to do. With plans to modernise its Customs Union and implement a single digital gateway across Member States, the time is right to embed AI into the EU’s customs infrastructure.

We’re ready to support this journey – with proven ability to build and deploy bespoke digital customs systems, backed by real-world success in high-volume ports and terminals, we can help the EU reduce friction and enhance compliance. We can also AI to support the EU’s green agenda, helping track carbon emissions, ensure traceability, and verify sustainable trade practices.

End-to-end support 

Our model is based on creating strategic partnerships. From system design and deployment to change management and upskilling, our end-to-end approach ensures that stakeholders are supported at every stage of transformation.

If the goal is smarter, more secure, and more connected trade, AI is the catalyst – and cb-xp is the partner to deliver it.

Get in contact with our team to find out more.

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cb-xp’s team works with governments and customs agencies to build smart, integrated platforms that use real-time information to drive smarter, faster decisions. The ability to see, understand, and act on data transforms how customs operates – from border clearance to compliance management.

Transforming operations through data

When data is connected across systems – from declarations to payments, logistics to finance – customs agencies can:

• Analyse cargo volumes and trends across ports and regions
• Perform instant risk assessments based on historical and contextual data
• Identify anomalies that may signal fraud, under-reporting, or non-compliance
• Monitor broker, importer and shipping line activity to ensure accountability

By bringing together data from traditionally siloed sources, customs authorities can reduce leakage, improve clearance times, and build trust across the trade ecosystem.

The value of structured, governed data

Collecting more data isn’t enough. To unlock its true value, data must be structured, governed and applied responsibly. Poor data quality can lead to false flags, missed risks and delays that damage trust and efficiency.

That’s why our solutions go beyond technology. We help clients implement the governance frameworks and tools needed to manage their data effectively, including:

• Master Data Management for accuracy and consistency
• Data Lineage Tracking to trace the origin and evolution of information
• Compliance Monitoring Tools to ensure alignment with legal and international standards

Good data governance transforms customs from reactive gatekeepers into proactive trade facilitators. It enables faster, fairer, and more strategic decision-making across policy, operations, and planning.

From insight to impact

Customs administrations face rising expectations: handle more volume, detect more risk and deliver better service – all while protecting revenue and national interests. Big data is the key to meeting that challenge, creating better customs systems and better outcomes for countries, traders and citizens alike.

Let us help you unlock the full value of your trade data – and turn big data into big impact. Learn how cb-xp can help your country develop and own a future-proof customs system, get in touch.

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