The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has revealed that the Service has recovered over N2 billion through the integration of Post Clearance Audit (PCA) into its operations—an initiative aimed at enhancing compliance and revenue collection in line with global standards.
Speaking on the transformative impact of the PCA unit, Adeniyi disclosed that the amount was recovered in two tranches of N500 million and N1.5 billion respectively, while an additional N1.6 billion is projected to be recovered by the end of July 2025.
“Earlier in the year, the NCS established the Post Clearance Audit unit headed by an Assistant Comptroller General reporting directly to me,” Adeniyi explained. “They have conducted several audits, using company risk profiles and declaration reviews to detect infractions, particularly those violating customs laws and regulatory frameworks.”
He emphasized that the enforcement drive is a strategic shift from leniency to strict compliance, warning that bonded terminals found in breach of customs regulations will face license revocation rather than mere suspension.
“In fact, one company that was suspended just yesterday paid N1.5 billion to our coffers. This process is ongoing, and more recoveries will follow,” he added.
The Customs Boss maintained that PCA is a critical component of the Service’s modernization strategy, offering a second-layer compliance mechanism without hindering cargo clearance timelines. According to him, the system allows for retrospective analysis and corrective action on declarations even after cargo has exited the port.
“With a well-developed post clearance audit system, cargo doesn’t need to be delayed at the ports,” he said. “Analysis can prompt further checks and interventions after release, enhancing both compliance and efficiency.”
He further disclosed that the PCA initiative will be expanded to other major ports, including Tin Can Island Port and Onne Port, reinforcing Customs’ commitment to plugging revenue leakages and upholding regulatory standards nationwide.
Adeniyi stressed that no operator—whether company or bonded terminal—will be allowed to flout the law or evade duties under the guise of operational status.
The implementation of PCA marks another milestone in NCS’s journey toward reform, aligning Nigeria’s customs processes with international best practices while boosting government revenue and trade compliance.