The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the World Bank Group (WBG), has commenced a specialised programme aimed at strengthening Post Clearance Audit (PCA) and accelerating trade facilitation reforms in the country.
The WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, which began on Monday, 19 January 2026, is designed to enhance compliance, improve transparency and support the ongoing modernisation of customs administration in Nigeria. The engagement focuses on reviewing previously agreed reform objectives, validating strategic approaches and identifying practical steps to deepen the effectiveness of Post Clearance Audit as a key tool for risk based compliance management.
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 critical pillar of modern customs administration. She said a robust PCA framework enables customs to facilitate legitimate trade while safeguarding government revenue through informed risk management and improved voluntary compliance.
She noted that the programme reflects the strong partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service and its international partners, particularly the WCO, in institutionalising global best practices and strengthening officers’ technical competencies. According to her, the Service has deliberately chosen to entrench PCA as a core compliance tool in line with international standards.
Also speaking, WCO Trade Facilitation Expert, James Clark, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for the progress made so far, noting that the development and operationalisation of the PCA Manual demonstrated strong institutional commitment. He said Nigeria’s reforms align with global best practices and broader national efforts to improve the ease of doing business, adding that while more work remains, the achievements recorded to date are commendable.
In her remarks, the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, said the Service has taken deliberate steps to strengthen Post Clearance Audit and risk management systems to enhance compliance, improve revenue performance and facilitate legitimate trade. She stressed that these measures are also critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.
The Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Post Clearance Audit, Babatunde Olomu, described the programme as timely and strategic, noting that it comes at a crucial phase of the Service’s reform journey. He said the engagement would further build institutional capacity and reinforce audit driven compliance as a cornerstone of trade facilitation.
The WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, which runs from 19 to 23 January 2026, underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s sustained commitment to collaboration with international partners in driving reforms that promote efficient trade, transparency and economic growth.
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