By Helen Udo.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the World Bank Group, has launched a two-week Technical Assistance Mission on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) under the Accelerated Revenue Mobilisation Reform (ARMOR) Programme.
The programme commenced on June 1 and will run until June 12, 2026, at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening compliance management, revenue assurance, and trade facilitation through modern audit practices.
Representing Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, Assistant Comptroller-General Babatunde Olomu described the mission as a significant step in the Service’s modernisation agenda.
Olomu said the programme aligns with the Customs Service’s vision of becoming a technology-driven, intelligence-led, and globally competitive customs administration.
He noted that customs administrations worldwide are increasingly embracing intelligence-based and risk-driven approaches to improve compliance and facilitate trade.
According to him, the mission will assess existing operational processes and identify areas requiring improvement.
The programme will also expose participants to international best practices designed to strengthen the Post Clearance Audit framework.
Key focus areas include risk-based targeting, case management, registry management, quality assurance, standardisation, and integrated audit systems.
Olomu emphasised that an effective PCA system enables Customs to move beyond transaction-based controls to a broader compliance management strategy.
He explained that such an approach improves revenue collection, promotes transparency, facilitates legitimate trade, and enhances public confidence.
The Assistant Comptroller-General commended Adeniyi for championing customs modernisation and capacity development reforms.
He also appreciated the World Bank and other development partners for their sustained support of customs reforms in Nigeria.
World Bank Task Team Lead Moses Kajubi said the mission is designed to strengthen the capacity of PCA officers through exposure to modern customs practices and globally recognised methodologies.
Kajubi stated that participants would gain practical knowledge in compliance management, audit techniques, and case management systems relevant to Nigeria’s customs environment.
He highlighted the importance of technology, structured case management, and data-driven decision-making in improving audit quality and compliance monitoring.
ARMOR Programme Lead Consultant Aloke Dutt stressed the need for standardised audit methodologies and effective monitoring frameworks.
Dutt also underscored the role of technology-driven solutions, including the B’Odogwu platform, in enhancing accountability and operational efficiency.
During a technical session, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Muhammad Jubril demonstrated the Post Clearance Audit process on the B’Odogwu platform, showing how audits can be initiated using Harmonised Commodity Codes and risk indicators.
Closing the event, Comptroller Muhammad Shattima urged participants to maximise the training opportunity, as the mission forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen compliance systems, boost revenue collection, and align Customs operations with international standards while facilitating legitimate trade.
