Customs Inaugurates WCO Led PCA, AEO Diagnostic Mission

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on Monday, 29 January 2024, said the Service has implemented robust risk management strategies to enhance the integrity of Customs processes and mitigate risks.

The CGC who made this known while declaring open a two-week retreat on the Inauguration of World Customs Organisation (WCO) led Post Clearance Audit (PCA) and Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) Diagnostic Mission for Senior NCS Officers at Wells Carlton Hotel Conference Room in Abuja, said the Service has taken measure that will significantly improve the efficiency of supply chains and ease the way for achieving meticulous post-clearance audit.

In a related development, the CGC during an appearance before the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, in Abuja, said his administration is irrevocably committed to transparency in its financial statements for efficient auditing of accounts.

Speaking on the WCO led PCA and AEO, the CGC explained that the efforts is aimed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across various sectors, saying that “through tailored training, support, and incentives, we aspire to enable SMEs to qualify for AEO status in the coming years.”

He said the initiative underscores his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation, ensuring that all segments of society benefit from trade facilitation and economic development opportunities.

In addition, he explained that the initiative is also aimed at evaluating entry barriers for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and systematically addressing them.

“The objectives and activities of the mission, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Nigeria’s strategic position in the global trade framework”, he said.

Adeniyi emphasized that AfCFTA serves as a beacon for regional integration and economic progress in Africa, and the crucial role of PCA and AEO is essential for its successful implementation.

He said that at the regional level, these initiatives nurture trade facilitation and economic progress by refining customs procedures, fortifying compliance mechanisms, and promoting transparency.

The CGC while extending his heartfelt gratitude to the WCO also commended the dedication and expertise of all stakeholders: WCO-led PCA, IMF, World Bank, and AEO Diagnostic Mission.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Comptroller General of Customs (DCG), in charge of Tariff and Trade, Abdullahi Musa noted that Nigeria is a home for trade and investment, and urged the officers to embrace innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in Customs practices.

He also emphasized the mission’s goal to enhance compliance mechanisms, foster trade facilitation, and contribute to the broader objectives of the World Customs Organization in promoting border security and fostering sustainable economic development globally.

DCG Musa thanked the World Bank Group experts and the International Monetary Fund for their support and partnership; and also commended the dedication and expertise of all stakeholders involved in the mission, noting that their contributions will yield a prosperous future for the Nigeria Customs Service.

The opening ceremony of the World Customs Organization-led Post Clearance Audit and Authorized Economic Operator Diagnostic mission is a two-week program organized by Nigeria Customs Service to accelerate trade facilitation.

On promoting accounting integrity and collaboration with the House Public Account Committee, the CGC informed that the NCS has been using integrated technology to collect revenue for over 20 years, and more than 20 commercial banks are involved in the process.

To buttress his point, the customs boss mentioned that the service has also entered into a contract with accredited customs duty dealer banks and was granted access to a technology platform that allowed them to collect the payments; further stating that the collection of fund is remitted directly by the banks to the federation accounts.

This is even as the CGC promised to collaborate closely with the Committee, saying, “Compliance is something we take seriously, and we will ensure that if there are any grey areas that need our service to foster efficiency, I am happy to mention that my team and I are prepared and will in the most transparent manner, present statements to the committee.”

Speaking, Chairman of the Public Account Committee (PAC), Hon. Bamidele Salami, advised that NCS to always provide an audited statement of accounts and adhere to all legal requirements.