Customs, W’Bank launch post-clearance audit mission

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the World Bank Group, has initiated a two-week technical assistance mission focused on Post Clearance Audit (PCA). This program, part of the Accelerated Revenue Mobilisation Reform Programme, seeks to enhance compliance management, ensure revenue assurance, and facilitate trade through the adoption of contemporary audit techniques.

The mission, taking place at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja from June 1 to June 12, 2026, was highlighted by Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi as a pivotal step in the Service's modernization efforts. Represented by Assistant Comptroller-General Babatunde Olomu, Adeniyi stressed that modern customs administrations increasingly depend on intelligence-led, risk-based approaches, including post-clearance interventions that support legitimate trade and economic growth while promoting voluntary compliance.

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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 noted that the mission provides a crucial opportunity to evaluate current processes, identify operational deficiencies, integrate international best practices, and devise practical solutions to bolster the PCA framework. Key areas of focus include risk-based targeting, case management, registry operations, quality assurance, standardization, and integrated audit systems. He underscored that effective PCA shifts customs operations from transaction-based controls to a strategic compliance management model, thereby improving revenue assurance, trade facilitation, transparency, and public trust.

World Bank Task Team Lead Moses Kajubi explained that the mission is designed to elevate the capabilities of PCA officers by introducing modern customs practices, practical audit tools, and globally recognized methodologies. Participants will gain exposure to international best practices, case management techniques, and compliance strategies adaptable to Nigeria's specific operational context. Kajubi emphasized the critical role of leveraging technology and structured case management in this endeavor.

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The mission is designed to strengthen the capacity of PCA officers through modern customs practices, practical audit tools, and internationally recognised methodologies.