The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in partnership with the World Customs Organization (WCO), World Bank Group (WBG), and International Monetary Fund (IMF), is conducting a five-day workshop on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) to strengthen trade facilitation in Nigeria. The workshop, which runs from October 7 to October 11, 2024, is being held in Abuja.
During the opening ceremony, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Adekunle Oloyode, expressed appreciation for the support from WCO, WBG, and IMF in advancing PCA reforms. Adeniyi emphasized that the workshop aims to establish a robust PCA system that complements the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program, both crucial for enhancing compliance and promoting trade facilitation.
“PCA is vital in ensuring compliance and safeguarding national revenue long after goods have exited Customs control,” Adeniyi said. He highlighted the role of PCA in detecting commercial fraud, recovering lost revenue, and fostering a secure trading environment for smoother international trade.
The workshop will focus on risk management, data-driven methodologies for identifying high-risk transactions, and the development of detailed audit plans. It also aims to enhance capacity-building efforts by leveraging international expertise and technology to improve NCS’s PCA processes.
World Customs Organization expert Russell Clark praised the collaboration and commended the NCS for its commitment to improving trade facilitation.
