PCA Critical To Customs Operations, Says CGC Adeniyi

…As WCO, WBG, IMF Holds Workshop NCS On Trade Facilitation

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that post clearance audit (PCA) unit is central to the success of the operations of the service, and remains an integral tool for the re-evaluation of processes.

ACG Oloyede giving his address on behalf of the CGC

Above is coming on the backdrop of a five-day workshop on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) between the NCS and the World Customs Organisation (WCO), the World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which started in Abuja on 7 October and ending 11 October, 2024.

According to a statement by the Customs Spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada,  the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Adekunle Oloyode,at the opening ceremony expressed his gratitude to the WCO, WBG, and IMF for their invaluable contributions to the PCA reform efforts.

He stated that the workshop is 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 enables the NCS to detect and prevent commercial fraud, recover lost revenue, and enhance trade facilitation. He noted, “PCA serves as a vital tool in balancing trade facilitation with compliance.”

CGC Adeniyi also disclosed that a strong PCA framework fosters a secure trading environment, ultimately facilitating smoother international trade. He also highlighted the significance of online virtual sessions, as an essential component in knowledge sharing, while outlining key areas of the workshop.

“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.

“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.”

A groupphotograph of participants at the workshop

He urged participants to apply what they learned to strengthen the Service’s PCA system and protect national revenue.

Also speaking, the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Strategic Research and Policy Department, Suleiman Chiroma, emphasised that PCA is a tool that ensures the smooth running of Customs processes by introducing measures, methods, and various approaches for seamless transactions.

“Collaboration with these organisations is key to the survival and success of the NCS”, he said.

On his part, World Customs Organisation expert, Russell Clark  expressed his appreciation for the collaboration and commended the NCS’s dedication to improving its processes in facilitating trade.