The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deepened its collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) Anti-Corruption and Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme, earning commendation for transparency and reform efforts, the agency said in a press release on Wednesday.
Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, who also chairs the WCO Council, led a high-level working visit to WCO headquarters on March 23, 2026.
The engagement focused on capacity building, integrity-focused standard operating procedures, and a planned 2026 integrity risk assessment.
“The positive outcomes of the WCO integrity survey underscore the impact of ongoing reforms within the Service,” Adeniyi said.
“We remain committed to embedding integrity safeguards in automated customs systems, trade facilitation frameworks, and revenue administration processes.”
The A-CIP team praised the NCS for actively participating in the WCO survey and approving the release of results, a step reflecting strong institutional transparency and accountability.
Survey outcomes highlighted reforms such as structured valuation reviews, strengthened post-clearance audits, and implementation of the Voluntary Disclosure Framework under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Both sides agreed on forward-looking actions, including publishing the survey results, establishing and training a dedicated Implementation Working Group, and integrating survey recommendations into NCS operations.
In a separate session, Adeniyi met with WCO Secretary-General Ian Saunders and secretariat staff to exchange updates on the work of the Policy Commission and Council.
The NCS said these initiatives reinforce public trust and credibility in customs administration, particularly amid growing global trade complexity.
“Our continued partnership with the WCO reflects Nigeria’s resolve to uphold integrity, enhance transparency, and align with global best practices in customs administration,” Adeniyi added.
The engagement marks a strategic milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen institutional integrity and combat corruption in the public sector.
