WHO, WBG, IMF Collaborates with Nigeria Customs Service to Boost Trade Facilitation.

By Joe Njoku

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), the World Bank Group (WBG), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is holding a five-day workshop on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in Abuja to enhance trade facilitation in Nigeria. The workshop holds from 7th to 11th October, 2024.

During the opening ceremony, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Adekunle Oloyode, expressed his gratitude to the WCO, WBG and IMF for their invaluable contributions to the PCA reform efforts.

Oloyode said that the workshop is important for establishing a robust PCA, which complements the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO). According to him, both initiative are crucial to strengthening the compliance framework and advancing trade facilitation efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service.

‘ PCA plays a vital role in ensuring compliance in trade international trade and safeguarding national revenue long after goods have exited Customs control, he stated.

The Comptroller-General emphasized that the ability to conduct effective post clearance audit enables the NCS to detect and prevent commercial fraud, recover lost revenue, and enhance trade facilitation with compliance.’

CGC Adeniyi also disclosed that a strong PCA framework fosters a secure trading environment, ultimately facilitating smoother international trade.

Highlighting the importance of online virtual sessions, he added. ‘ They provide real time insights and knowledge sharing, allowing us to address specific challenges and implement the best practices around the globe, helping to innovate NCS processes.’

Outlining the key are Ares of the workshop, the CGC said, ‘ The focus includes risk management, targeting, developing data-driven methodologies to identify high risk transactions, creating detailed audit plans for effective execution, capacity building, leveraging international expertise and technology, among others.’

Therefore, he urged participants to apply what they learned to Strengthen the Service PCA system and protect national revenue.

Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Suleiman Chiroma from the strategic Research and Policy Department of NCS, emphasized that PCA is a tool that ensures the smooth running of Customs processes by introducing measures, methods, and various approaches for seamless transactions. He remarked, ‘ Collaboration with these organizations is key to the survival and success of the Nigeria Customs Service.’

Also speaking at the occasion, World Customs Organization expert, Russell Clark expressed his appreciation for the collaboration and commended the NCS’s dedication to improving its processes in facilitating trade.