The International Monetary Fund IMF, World Customs Organisation WCO and the World Bank Group WBGhaveentered into partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service as part of measures to boost trade facilitation.

The trio in collaboration with Nigeria Customs is holding a five-day workshop on Post Clearance Audit PCA in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital to enhance free flow of trade in the country. The workshop runs from October 7-11, 2024.

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

“This workshop is essential for establishing a robust PCA, which complements the Authorised Economic Operator AEO Programme as both initiatives are critical to strengthening the compliance framework and advancing the trade facilitation efforts of the Service.

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

The CGC emphasised that the ability to conduct effective post-clearance audits enables the NCS to detect and prevent commercial fraud, recover lost revenue, and enhance trade facilitation. He noted, “PCA serves as a vital tool in balancing 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 significance 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 PCA processes.”

Outlining the key areas of the workshop, the CGC stated, “The focus includes risk management, targeting, developing data-driven methodologies to identify high-risk transactions, creating detailed audit plans for efficient execution, capacity building, leveraging international expertise and technology, among others.”

He urged participants to apply what they learned to strengthen the Service’s PCA system and protect national revenue.

Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Suleiman Chiroma from  the Strategic Research and Policy Department of NCS, emphasised 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 organisations is key to the survival and success of the NCS.”

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