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WCO helps Nigeria Customs turn integrity risks into preventive action

Building stronger safeguards

Strong and effective Customs administrations are built on a foundation of integrity, transparency and public trust. From 17 to 21 August 2026, the World Customs Organization (WCO) Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme (ATFP) worked with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to strengthen integrity practices and corruption risk management. The Programme is funded by the United Kingdom's His Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and has been working with WCO Members towards implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.

In concert with the NCS Integrity Working Group, the WCO reviewed how newly instituted procedures had been tested across air, land and sea operations. The mission also strengthened officials' ability to conduct and validate corruption risk analyses. This cooperation reflects the WCO's role in bringing Customs together for a safer, more prosperous and sustainable world. 

From diagnosis to action

The mission to Abuja built on integrity support provided by the WCO since 2022. This has included an Integrity Diagnostic, Customs Integrity Perception Surveys (CIPS) in 2022 and 2025, and the development and pilot testing of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for regular internal corruption risk analysis.

The WCO team and the Integrity Working Group reviewed the pilot application of the SOPs across several NCS Commands. Together, they examined the quality of the analysis, validated the results and reinforced a consistent approach that can be applied across different Customs environments.

By moving from a broad diagnosis to a repeatable internal process, the NCS is better equipped to identify where integrity safeguards need attention. The emphasis is on addressing vulnerabilities before they undermine Customs operations, staff accountability or public confidence. 

Evidence for preventive action

The exercise mapped risks across regulatory and legal frameworks, core Customs operations, and administrative and support functions. The findings were consolidated into a Corruption Risk Heat Map, giving the NCS an evidence base to inform staff rotation and other preventive measures.

This engagement also contributed to an updated Integrity Action Plan with more than 100 action items. The plan addresses vulnerabilities in regulatory frameworks, operational processes, risk management, clearance, post-clearance audit, coordinated border management and administrative functions.

The results were presented to NCS Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, who is also currently the WCO Council Chairperson. He welcomed the exercise and stressed that one of its objectives was to identify vulnerabilities and develop sustainable solutions. He reaffirmed the NCS commitment to transparency, accountability and stronger internal controls, including through simpler processes and greater use of technology. 

Integrity supports trade

The mission demonstrated the complementarity between the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme and the WCO Anti-Corruption & Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme. The Programme’s practical tools, risk analysis and institutional measures align with A-CIP's emphasis on peer learning, data-driven approaches and integrating integrity across Customs functions.

This work forms part of the broader WCO-NCS partnership to advance implementation of the WTO TFA. The Programme supports Nigeria in areas including Post-Clearance Audit, Authorized Economic Operator programmes, Risk Management, Time Release Studies and Coordinated Border Management.

Integrity is central to these reforms. Stronger safeguards and clearer internal controls help make border procedures more transparent, predictable and efficient, enabling Customs to facilitate legitimate trade while maintaining public trust.

(Source: https://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2026/september/wco-helps-nigeria-customs-turn-integrity-risks-into-preventive-action.aspx)