From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a two-week Technical Assistance Mission on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in collaboration with the World Bank Group under the Accelerated Revenue Mobilisation Reform (ARMOR) Programme, aimed at strengthening compliance management, revenue assurance, and trade facilitation through modern audit practices.
The workshop, which runs from June 1 to June 12, 2026, is taking place at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General Babatunde Olomu described the mission as a major step in advancing the Service’s modernisation agenda and strengthening its capacity as a technology-driven, intelligence-led, and globally competitive customs administration.
He explained that modern customs operations increasingly depend 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 provides an opportunity to assess existing processes, identify operational gaps, adopt international best practices, and develop practical solutions to strengthen the Post Clearance Audit framework.
Olomu identified key focus areas including risk-based targeting, case management, registry management, quality assurance, standardisation, and integrated audit systems.
He noted that effective Post Clearance Audit enables Customs to move beyond transaction-based controls to a strategic compliance system that enhances revenue assurance, facilitates 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,” he said.
He commended the Comptroller-General for his commitment to modernisation and capacity building, while appreciating the World Bank and other development partners for their sustained support for Customs reforms.
Olomu urged participants to actively engage in 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 Post Clearance Audit officers through modern customs practices, practical audit tools, and internationally recognised methodologies.
He added that participants would be exposed to global best practices, case management techniques, and compliance management strategies adaptable to Nigeria’s operational environment.
Kajubi emphasised 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 support the NCS modernisation objectives.
Lead Consultant for ARMOR-P, Colonel Aloke Dutt, said the mission aims to enhance trade facilitation, optimise revenue, and improve compliance management through a structured and unified Post Clearance Audit approach.
He stressed the need for standardised audit methodologies, effective monitoring mechanisms, and integration of data analytics into audit processes to improve accountability and efficiency.
Dutt also highlighted the importance of technology-driven solutions such as the B’Odogwu platform and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to support a competency-based audit system across the Service.
During a technical session, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Muhammad Jubril demonstrated the Post Clearance Audit process on the B’Odogwu platform, explaining how officers initiate audit reviews using Harmonised System (HS) codes and risk indicators.
In his closing remarks, Comptroller Muhammad Shattima urged participants to maximise the opportunities provided by the workshop and apply the knowledge gained to achieve the strategic objectives of the NCS.
