Stakeholders back Customs post-clearance audit for transparency

Stakeholders in Nigeria's maritime sector have expressed praise for the Nigeria Customs Service's (NCS) sensitisation exercise on the Post-Clearance Audit (PCA). This initiative, themed 'Post-Clearance Audit Reform for Greater Transparency and Revenue Protection', took place in Lagos recently. The National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Emenike Nwokeoji, commended the NCS for the sensitisation programme, describing PCA as a globally recognised tool for modern customs administration.

He stressed that PCA promotes voluntary compliance, correct revenue assurance, and strengthens trust between the NCS and the trading public. Nwokeoji pledged continued support for the initiative, emphasising the importance of accurate classification, validation, and documentation. The Lagos Chamber of Commerce's representative, Laz Shobande, also expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating that it would boost the nation's economy.

He called for more sensitisation on the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) introduced by the NCS, highlighting its international significance. The Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of PCA, Babatunde Olomu, highlighted that the programme aims to enhance stakeholders' understanding, strengthen revenue assurance, deepen partnership, and institutional cooperation.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, affirmed that some of the reforms are irreversible, but he is pleased that most of them will remain as legacy programs. He emphasized that the sensitisation exercise is ongoing and will be extended to other parts of the country.