Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi, has charged younger officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, to aspire toward global expertise in Post Clearance Audit, PCA, describing the tool as a cornerstone for modern customs careers and the future of Nigerian trade facilitation.
Speaking at the conclusion of the 5-day WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme at NCS Headquarters in Abuja, Adeniyi emphasized that mastering these emerging audit techniques is the most effective way for new recruits to align their professional growth with international best practices.
“For the younger officers who are here. For you, this might be the first time you’re experiencing this kind of thing. But our respected WCO experts started from somewhere. Post Clearance Audit is one of those emerging tools developed by WCO, and this is the best way in which you can start your career. I want you to begin to look at your aspirations. Let it be shaped towards that dream that, one day, you can also become a PCA expert”, he advised.
The CGC further described the 5-day engagement as insightful and transformative. He noted that the discussions and practical sessions exposed officers to advanced Post Clearance Audit tools and techniques that would significantly enhance their analytical capacity and operational effectiveness.
According to the CGC, the workshop provided officers with clearer perspectives on modern audit practices, risk management and compliance monitoring, stressing that the knowledge gained would directly support trade facilitation while safeguarding revenue and national economic interests.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to continuous reform, effective collaboration with international partners and the deployment of modern tools to align Nigeria’s customs administration with global best practices.
While speaking, WCO Trade Facilitation Expert, James Clark, commended the NCS for its demonstrated willingness to embrace reform and modern customs practices. He noted that the Service has made commendable progress within a relatively short period.
Clark highlighted the importance of institutional commitment, capacity building and consistent application of Post Clearance Audit tools in achieving long-term success, adding that Nigeria is well-positioned to deepen its gains if the momentum is maintained.
“We are always looking for that time when you will reach what we call the impact level. Impact level means you have created a more effective, more facilitative trading environment. I have the utmost confidence in your ability to do this”, he remarked.
He added: “I want to thank you all for your commitment this week and for engaging with the experts and with me for the past 5 days. Do not hesitate to reach out to us going forward”.
The 5-day WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, funded by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs of the United Kingdom, focused on strengthening customs reforms, with particular emphasis on Post Clearance Audit, PCA, and risk-based compliance management.
The conclusion of the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme marks another milestone in the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing efforts to promote ease of doing business, strengthen compliance, and position the country as a competitive and reliable trading partner on the global stage.
