NCS, WCO, World Bank Deepen Post-Clearance Audit Reforms to Boost Trade Facilitation

NCS, WCO, World Bank Deepen Post-Clearance Audit Reforms to Boost Trade Facilitation

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the World Bank Group (WBG), has commenced the implementation of the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme aimed at strengthening customs reforms, enhancing compliance, and advancing trade facilitation in Nigeria.

The programme, which began on Monday, 19 January 2026, is focused on reviewing agreed reform objectives and validating strategic approaches for the execution of key initiatives, with particular emphasis on Post-Clearance Audit (PCA). It also provides an opportunity to assess progress made so far while identifying practical measures to improve efficiency, transparency, and risk-based compliance management across customs operations.

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 cornerstone of modern customs administration. According to her, a robust PCA framework supports effective risk management, promotes voluntary compliance, facilitates legitimate trade, and ensures revenue assurance.

“This mission highlights the strong partnership between the WCO and the Nigeria Customs Service and reflects our shared commitment to strengthening PCA frameworks, improving officers’ technical competencies, and institutionalising global best practices that encourage compliance while protecting government revenue,” she said.

Quoting renowned author Brian Herbert, Adeola 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, WCO Trade Facilitation Expert, James Clark, commended the NCS for the significant progress recorded within a relatively short period. He noted that Nigeria’s trade facilitation reforms demonstrate a broader national commitment to improving the ease of doing business and aligning customs procedures with international best practices.

“The development of the PCA Manual was an impressive achievement. Beyond that, the steps taken to operationalise it and the commitment shown towards building a world-class PCA programme within the NCS are remarkable,” Clark said, adding that while more work lies ahead, the progress so far is commendable.

In her remarks, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, highlighted deliberate efforts by the Service to strengthen Post-Clearance Audit and risk management systems. She explained that these initiatives are designed to enhance compliance, improve revenue generation, facilitate legitimate trade, and protect Nigeria’s economic interests.

Similarly, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs overseeing Post-Clearance Audit, Babatunde Olomu, described the week-long engagement as timely and strategic. He noted that the programme comes at a critical stage in the Service’s reform journey and will further strengthen institutional capacity for audit-driven compliance and trade facilitation.

The WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, scheduled to run from 19 to 23 January 2026, reinforces the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to sustained collaboration with international partners in driving reforms that promote efficient trade, transparency, and economic growth.