To enhance trade facilitation, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and World Bank Group met in Abuja to deliberate on framework that will boost trade facilitation efforts of the Service.
The five-day workshop focused on Post Clearance Audit (PCA), according to statement issued by Customs’ National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, was represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Adekunle Oloyode.
He expressed his gratitude to the WCO, WBG, and IMF for their invaluable contributions to the PCA reform efforts. He stated that the workshop was essential for establishing a robust PCA, which complements the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.
According to him, both initiatives are critical to strengthening the compliance framework and advancing the trade facilitation efforts of the Service.
“PCA plays a vital role in ensuring compliance in international trade and safeguarding national revenue long after goods have exited Customs control,” he said.
The CGC emphasised that the ability to conduct effective post-clearance audits enabled the NCS to detect and prevent commercial fraud, recover lost revenue, and enhance trade facilitation.
He said: “PCA serves as a vital tool in balancing trade facilitation with compliance.” CGC Adeniyi also disclosed that a strong PCA framework fostered a secure trading environment, ultimately facilitating smoother international trade.
Highlighting the significance of online virtual sessions, he added: “They provide real-time insights and knowledge sharing, allowing us to address specific challenges and implement the best practices around the globe, helping to innovate NCS PCA processes.”
Outlining the key areas of the workshop, the CGC stated: “The focus includes risk management, targeting, developing data-driven methodologies to identify high-risk transactions, creating detailed audit plans for efficient execution, capacity building, leveraging international expertise and technology, among others.”