Customs Partners WCO, UK on Corruption Risk Mapping, SOPs

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

Addressing participants during the closing ceremony held on Friday, 21 August 2026 at NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, described the WCO support initiative as a significant step towards strengthening institutional growth, integrity, and corruption risk management.

He explained that the workshop was organised to identify weaknesses, develop sustainable solutions and not to apportion blames.

According to him, the initiative 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.

“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,” he stated.

The CGC further reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to support measures that strengthen transparency, accountability, internal controls, process simplification, and 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 added.

While commending the Comptroller -General of Customs for the initiative, the WCO Lead Technical Expert, Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, Arman Zhalitov urged the working group to champion endorsement of the workshop outcomes.

This include a comprehensive action plan outlining clear steps to advance trade facilitation and strengthen the anti-corruption agenda.

Similarly, 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.

To him, 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,” Tanenbaum concluded.