Customs, W’Bank launch post-clearance audit mission

The Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the World Bank Group, has commenced a two-week technical assistance mission on the Post Clearance Audit under the Accelerated Revenue Mobilisation Reform Programme, aimed at strengthening compliance management, revenue assurance, and trade facilitation through modern audit practices.

In a statement on Tuesday, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, a Deputy Controller of Customs, stated that the workshop, which runs from 1 to 12 June 2026, will take place at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

In his opening remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the mission as a significant step in advancing the Service’s modernisation agenda and strengthening its capacity as a technology-driven, intelligence-led, and globally competitive customs administration.

Adeniyi, who was represented at the event by Babatunde Olomu, an Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, noted that modern customs administrations increasingly rely on intelligence-led, risk-based, “and post-clearance interventions that promote voluntary compliance while supporting legitimate trade and economic growth.”

According to him, the mission offers an opportunity to assess existing processes, identify operational gaps, adopt international best practices, and develop practical solutions to strengthen the Post Clearance Audit framework.

Adeniyi identified risk-based targeting, case management, registry management, quality assurance, standardisation, and integrated audit systems as key areas of focus.

He emphasised that effective PCA enables customs to move beyond transaction-based controls to “a strategic compliance management approach that enhances revenue assurance, facilitates legitimate trade, strengthens transparency, and boosts public confidence.”

“This mission presents a valuable opportunity to critically assess our existing processes, identify gaps, learn from international best practices, and develop practical solutions that will strengthen our PCA framework and overall compliance management system,” Adeniyi stated.

The CGC reiterated his commitment to modernisation and capacity building and also appreciated the World Bank and other development partners for their sustained support for Customs reforms.

He urged participants to actively engage throughout the programme and ensure that lessons learned are translated into measurable improvements in daily operations.

Speaking at the event, World Bank Task Team Lead Moses Kajubi said the mission is designed to strengthen the capacity of PCA officers through modern customs practices, practical audit tools, and internationally recognised methodologies.

He explained that participants would be exposed to global best practices, case management techniques, and compliance management strategies that can be adapted to Nigeria’s operational environment.

Kajubi stressed the importance of leveraging technology, structured case management systems, and data-driven decision-making to improve audit quality, compliance monitoring, and trade facilitation outcomes.

“This engagement will equip participants with practical tools and global best practices that can be applied directly in the field to improve the effectiveness of Post Clearance Audit operations,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the engagement would strengthen institutional capacity and contribute significantly to the NCS’s modernisation objectives.

The Lead Consultant for the ARMOR-P, Colonel Aloke Dutt, said the mission seeks to enhance trade facilitation, optimise revenue, and improve compliance management through a more structured and unified approach to PCA.

He emphasised the need for standardised audit methodologies, effective monitoring mechanisms, and the integration of data analytics into audit processes to improve accountability and operational efficiency.

Dutt also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology-driven solutions such as the B’Odogwu platform and developing Standard Operating Procedures to support a competency-based audit system across the Service.

During a technical session, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Muhammad Jubril demonstrated the PCA process on the B’Odogwu platform, explaining how officers can initiate audit reviews using Harmonised Commodity codes and other risk indicators.

In his closing remarks, Comptroller Muhammad Shattima encouraged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the workshop and apply the knowledge gained to achieve the strategic objectives of the NCS.This was contained in Wednesday’s release by Mr Frank Meke.

According to the statement, Kuta, who previously served as the Commissioner for Transportation in Niger State, described the honour as well-deserved and patriotic.

She noted that Oyebamiji’s “contributions to the development of inland waterways and support for the media deserve recognition from stakeholders in the maritime sector.”

She recalled her experience working with the coalition led by a veteran journalist, Mr Frank Meke, during her tenure as Commissioner for Transportation, describing the engagement as richly rewarding.

According to her, “The visiting maritime journalists demonstrated a high level of professionalism, intellectual depth, and engagement, while their presentations and subsequent reports following the visit were brilliant, balanced, and impactful.”

“These reports not only reflect a proper understanding of the transportation and maritime landscape, but they also contributed positively to governance and policy direction in Niger State,” Kuta said.

Kuta further disclosed that during the fact-finding visit of the maritime press to Niger State, the Coalition held strategic meetings with the Deputy Governor and five other commissioners, following a directive from Governor Mohammed Bago.

She noted that the governor was particularly excited by the depth and seriousness of the engagement, describing the visit as timely and insightful.

She added that the successful interaction was largely influenced by the groundwork and reforms put in place during her tenure as Commissioner for Transportation.

Kuta reaffirmed her commitment to people-orientated governance and inclusive development, stressing that strategic collaboration with professionals, including the media, remains key to achieving sustainable progress in Niger State.