The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the United Kingdom International Development has decided to strengthen its internal anti-corruption framework through a workshop focused on corruption risk analysis, risk mapping, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada said on Monday that the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, explained during the closing ceremony on Friday 21 August 2026 at NCS Headquarters in Abuja that
the mission under the WCO was an important step in strengthening institutional growth, integrity, and corruption risk management.

He noted that the exercise had nothing to do with fault-finding or apportioning blame; rather, it allowed the system to look at itself, identify weaknesses, and develop sustainable solutions.

According to him, the assessment was designed to cover key Customs processes, including regulatory and administrative procedures, clearance processes, inspection and examination, enforcement and compliance, procurement and human resource management.

He explained: “The purpose of what we have therefore been doing with our partners was to identify such areas of vulnerabilities, assess the associated risk and develop practical measures to mitigate them.”

Adeniyi affirmed that the Service will continue to support measures that strengthen transparency, accountability, internal controls, process simplification, and the use of technology to reduce unnecessary discretion.

“A customs administration that is transparent, that is predictable and accountable, is better positioned to facilitate legitimate trade, improve compliance, and enhance public confidence,” he noted.

The World Customs Organisation Lead Technical Expert, Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, Arman Zhalitov, while commending the comptroller general for its continued support, urged the working group to champion endorsement of the workshop outcomes, which include a comprehensive action plan outlining clear steps to advance trade facilitation and strengthen the anti-corruption agenda.

Also, David Tanenbaum, the WCO Programme Manager for the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, outlined achievements in AEO, post-clearance audit, and the time-release study, noting that integrity does not exist in a vacuum.

He said that the achievements demonstrate that the partnership is delivering tangible institutional and operational results.

“Our work continues to bring us closer to a systematic, preventive approach to identifying and managing corruption risks within customs operations,” he said.

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