The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has charged younger officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to deliberately build careers around global expertise in Post Clearance Audit (PCA), describing it as a critical tool for modern customs administration and the future of trade facilitation in Nigeria.
Adeniyi gave the charge at the conclusion of the five-day World Customs Organization (WCO) Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, held from January 19 to 23, 2026, at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja. He stressed that mastery of emerging audit techniques remains one of the most effective ways for new officers to align their professional development with international best practices.
Addressing participants, the CGC encouraged young officers to see PCA as a pathway to global relevance in customs operations.
“For the younger officers who are here, this might be the first time you’re experiencing this kind of programme. But our respected WCO experts also started from somewhere. Post Clearance Audit is one of those emerging tools developed by the WCO, and this is the best way you can start your career,” Adeniyi said.
He urged them to set their aspirations high, noting that with dedication and continuous learning, they could grow into globally recognised PCA experts.
“I want you to begin to look to your aspiration. Let it be shaped towards that dream that, one day, you can also become a PCA expert,” he added.
The CGC described the five-day programme as both insightful and transformative, explaining that the intensive discussions and practical sessions exposed officers to advanced PCA tools and techniques capable of significantly improving their analytical skills and operational effectiveness.
According to him, the training offered participants deeper insights into modern audit practices, risk management and compliance monitoring, stressing that the knowledge acquired would enhance trade facilitation while safeguarding government revenue and national economic interests.
Adeniyi reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to continuous reform, strong collaboration with international partners and the deployment of modern tools to align Nigeria’s customs administration with global standards.
Also speaking, WCO Trade Facilitation Expert, James Clark, commended the NCS for its clear willingness to embrace reform and modern customs practices, noting that the Service has recorded commendable progress within a relatively short period.
Clark emphasised the importance of institutional commitment, sustained capacity building and consistent application of Post Clearance Audit tools in achieving long-term impact, adding that Nigeria is well-positioned to deepen its gains if the current momentum is sustained.
“We are always looking for that time when you reach what we call the impact level. Impact level means you have created a more effective and more facilitative trading environment. I have the utmost confidence in your ability to do this,” he said.
He also thanked participants for their dedication and active engagement throughout the programme, encouraging them to maintain contact with WCO experts for continued support.
The WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, funded by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs of the United Kingdom, focused on strengthening customs reforms, with particular emphasis on Post Clearance Audit and risk-based compliance management.
The conclusion of the programme marks another milestone in the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing efforts to promote ease of doing business, strengthen compliance and position Nigeria as a competitive and reliable trading partner on the global stage.
