The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the World Bank Group (WBG), has commenced the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme aimed at strengthening customs modernisation, enhancing compliance, and improving trade efficiency in Nigeria.
The programme, which began on Monday, January 19, 2026, focuses on advancing the implementation of Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) reforms.
It provides a strategic platform to review progress, validate reform priorities, and identify practical measures to enhance transparency, risk-based compliance, and operational efficiency across Customs formations.
Speaking at the opening session, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Kikelomo Adeola, who represented the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described Post-Clearance Audit as a core pillar of modern customs administration.
She stated that an effective PCA framework strengthens voluntary compliance, improves risk management, and facilitates legitimate trade while safeguarding government revenue.
“This mission reflects our shared commitment with the WCO to institutionalise global best practices, strengthen technical capacity and promote compliance without compromising revenue protection,” Adeola said.
Quoting author Brian Herbert, she added: “The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, but the willingness to learn is a choice.
The Nigeria Customs Service has chosen to make PCA work in our country.”
Also speaking, James Clark, a Trade Facilitation Expert with the WCO, commended the NCS for the significant reforms already achieved.
He described the development of the PCA Manual and its operational deployment as remarkable milestones.
“The progress recorded within a short time frame is impressive. While there is still work ahead, Nigeria’s commitment to building a world-class Post-Clearance Audit system is commendable,” Clark noted.
The Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, highlighted the Service’s deliberate investments in strengthening audit systems and risk management frameworks, stressing that the reforms are critical to improving revenue generation, trade facilitation and national economic security.
Similarly, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Post-Clearance Audit, Babatunde Olomu, described the programme as timely and strategic, noting that it aligns with the Service’s broader reform agenda and institutional capacity-building objectives.
The WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, scheduled to run from January 19 to 23, 2026, further reinforces Nigeria Customs’ collaboration with international partners in promoting transparent trade processes, efficient border management and sustainable economic growth.
