The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the World Bank Group (WBG), has commenced a capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) and accelerating trade facilitation reforms in Nigeria.
The WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, which began on Monday, 19 January 2026, is focused on reviewing agreed reform objectives and consolidating a strategic approach to implementing key customs modernisation initiatives, with particular emphasis on Post-Clearance Audit. The programme also provides a platform to assess progress achieved so far and identify practical steps to improve efficiency, transparency and risk-based compliance across customs operations.
Speaking at the opening session, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Kikelomo Adeola, representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described Post-Clearance Audit as a cornerstone of modern customs administration. She noted that a robust PCA framework enhances risk management, strengthens voluntary compliance and facilitates legitimate trade without undermining revenue assurance.
“This mission underscores the strong partnership between the WCO and the Nigeria Customs Service and reflects our shared commitment to strengthening PCA frameworks, enhancing officers’ technical capacity and institutionalising global best practices,” she said.
Quoting 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 addressing participants, WCO Trade Facilitation Expert, James Clark, commended the NCS for the significant progress recorded within a relatively short period. He described the development of the PCA Manual as a major milestone and praised the Service’s determination to build a world-class audit system aligned with international standards.
“The creation of the PCA Manual was an impressive achievement. Beyond that, the commitment shown in operationalising it demonstrates a clear vision for a strong PCA programme within the NCS,” Clark said.
In her remarks, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, highlighted deliberate steps taken by the Service to strengthen Post-Clearance Audit and risk management systems, noting that the reforms are geared towards enhancing compliance, boosting revenue collection, facilitating legitimate trade and protecting national economic interests.
Similarly, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Post-Clearance Audit, Babatunde Olomu, described the week-long engagement as timely and strategic, noting that it comes at a critical phase of the Service’s reform journey and will further build institutional capacity in audit-driven compliance management.
The WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, which runs from 19 to 23 January 2026, reinforces the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to sustained collaboration with international partners in promoting efficient trade, transparency and economic growth.
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