NCS, WCO, WBG Launch PCA Training to Supercharge Nigeria’s Trade Reforms

By Linda Ike

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in partnership with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and World Bank Group (WBG) kicked off the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme on Monday to bolster Post-Clearance Audit (PCA), enhance compliance, and modernise customs operations.

The week-long training holding in Lagos from January 19-23 reviews progress on PCA reforms, promotes risk-based management, transparency, and voluntary compliance to facilitate legitimate trade while protecting revenue.

Deputy Comptroller-General Kikelomo Adeola, representing Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, hailed PCA as a critical pillar of modern customs.

“This mission underscores our partnership with WCO to build technical skills and best practices,” she said.

Quoting Brian Herbert, she added, “The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, but the willingness to learn is a choice. NCS has chosen to make PCA work.”

Trade Facilitation Expert with the WCO, James Clark praised NCS’s rapid strides, including its PCA Manual.

“Your commitment to a world-class programme is remarkable, more work ahead, but progress is commendable.” Clark stated.

Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Caroline Niagwan
and the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Post-Clearance Audit, Babatunde Olomu echoed the focus on strengthening risk systems, revenue collection, and economic safeguards through global best practices.

The initiative signals NCS’s drive for efficient trade and growth via international collaboration.