Customs, WCO deepen anti-corruption measures in Nigeria

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is intensifying its efforts against corruption through a collaborative workshop with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the United Kingdom International Development. The initiative focuses on strengthening internal anti-corruption frameworks by analyzing corruption risks, mapping potential vulnerabilities, and developing standardized operating procedures.

During the closing ceremony at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi emphasized the importance of the WCO-led mission in fostering institutional growth, integrity, and effective corruption risk management. He clarified that the exercise was not about assigning blame but rather about enabling the system to self-assess, identify weaknesses, and devise sustainable solutions.

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The purpose of what we have therefore been doing with our partners was to identify such areas of vulnerability, assess the associated risk and develop practical measures to mitigate them.

The assessment covered critical customs processes, including regulatory and administrative procedures, clearance and examination processes, enforcement, compliance, procurement, and human resource management. "The purpose of what we have therefore been doing with our partners was to identify such areas of vulnerability, assess the associated risk and develop practical measures to mitigate them," Adeniyi stated.

Adeniyi affirmed the service's commitment to measures that promote transparency, accountability, internal controls, process simplification, and the use of technology to minimize discretionary powers. He noted that a transparent, predictable, and accountable customs administration is better equipped to facilitate legitimate trade, improve compliance, and build public confidence. WCO officials commended the NCS for its support and urged the working group to champion the adoption of the workshop's outcomes, which include a comprehensive action plan to advance trade facilitation and the anti-corruption agenda.

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A customs administration that is transparent, that is predictable and accountable, is better positioned to facilitate legitimate trade, improve compliance, and enhance public confidence.