The Nigeria Customs Service has stepped up its anti-corruption drive through deeper collaboration with the World Customs Organisation, drawing commendation for its commitment to transparency and institutional integrity.
The recognition followed a high-level meeting at the WCO headquarters in Brussels during a working visit by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who also serves as Chair of the WCO Council.
According to a statement by the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, the engagement focused on strengthening reforms under the WCO’s Anti-Corruption and Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme.
Discussions centred on building institutional capacity, developing integrity-driven standard procedures, and preparing for a comprehensive integrity risk assessment scheduled for 2026.
The WCO also outlined its next phase of strategy, with plans to tighten safeguards in automated customs systems and improve transparency in trade facilitation processes.
The global body commended the NCS for actively participating in its integrity survey and approving the release of its findings, moves it described as clear evidence of the agency’s commitment to accountability.
The statement added that ongoing reforms within the service are already yielding results, including improved valuation processes, stronger post-clearance audits, and the rollout of the Voluntary Disclosure Framework under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
In response, Adeniyi welcomed the recognition and reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to sustaining the partnership, stressing that integrity remains central to building trust and credibility in customs operations, especially in today’s complex global trade environment.
Both sides agreed on key next steps, including publishing the survey results, setting up a dedicated implementation team, and embedding recommendations into daily operations.
During the visit, Adeniyi also met with the WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, to review ongoing activities of the organisation’s Policy Commission and Council.
The NCS said the strengthened partnership aligns with its broader reform agenda aimed at boosting efficiency, increasing revenue, and enhancing public confidence in its operations.
