Customs, WCO, UK Development Strengthen Anti-Corruption Framework

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

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the workshop held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, described the exercise as an important step towards strengthening institutional growth, integrity and corruption risk management within the Service.

Adeniyi stressed that the assessment was not aimed at finding fault or apportioning blame, but at enabling the Service to critically examine its processes, identify vulnerabilities and develop sustainable solutions.

He said the assessment covered critical Customs operations, including regulatory and administrative procedures, clearance processes, inspection and examination, enforcement and compliance, procurement, as well as human resource management.

“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,” the CGC said.

He reaffirmed the NCS's commitment to initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, stronger internal controls and process simplification, noting that technology would continue to play a key role in reducing unnecessary discretion in Customs operations.

According to him, a transparent, predictable and accountable Customs administration would be better positioned to facilitate legitimate trade, improve compliance and strengthen public confidence.

The WCO Lead Technical Expert for the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, Arman Zhalitov, commended the Comptroller-General for his continued support for the initiative and urged members of the working group to ensure the endorsement and implementation of the workshop outcomes.

Zhalitov said the outcomes included a comprehensive action plan outlining clear steps towards advancing trade facilitation and strengthening the anti-corruption agenda of the Service.

Also speaking, the WCO Programme Manager for the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, David Tanenbaum, highlighted the progress recorded in areas such as Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), post-clearance audit and the time-release study.

Tanenbaum noted that integrity was not an isolated issue, stressing that the achievements recorded through the partnership demonstrated 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.

The workshop is expected to contribute to the development of stronger internal controls and preventive mechanisms capable of reducing corruption vulnerabilities while improving efficiency and predictability in Customs operations.