…CGC says effective Post Clearance Audits will Ensure detection, prevention of commercial fraud, enhanced trade facilitation 

Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s vision of evolving a more modern and technologically empowered Customs Service got a boost on Monday, as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation (WCO), the World Bank Group (WBG), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) flagged off a five-day workshop on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in Abuja.

The Maritime First learnt the aim of the workshop which will run from 7 October to 11 October 2024 is to meaningfully enhance trade facilitation in Nigeria. 

Speaking on this, the CGC, Adewale Adeniyi stressed that the workshop is essential for establishing a robust PCA, which complements the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme; because both initiatives are critical to strengthening the compliance framework and advancing the trade facilitation efforts of the Service.

“PCA plays a vital role in ensuring compliance in international trade and safeguarding national revenue long after goods have exited Customs control,” the CGC, who was represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariff and Trade, Adekunle Oloyode stated, thanking the WCO, WBG, and IMF for their invaluable contributions to the PCA reform efforts.

 “PCA serves as a vital tool in balancing trade facilitation with compliance”, Adeniyi highlighted, emphasising that the ability to conduct effective post-clearance audits enables the NCS to detect and prevent commercial fraud, recover lost revenue, and enhance trade facilitation. 

The CGC also disclosed that a strong PCA framework fosters a secure trading environment, ultimately facilitating smoother international trade.

Highlighting the significance of online virtual sessions, he added, “They provide real-time insights and knowledge sharing, allowing us to address specific challenges and implement the best practices around the globe, helping to innovate NCS PCA processes.”

Outlining the key areas of the workshop, the CGC added: “The focus includes risk management, targeting, developing data-driven methodologies to identify high-risk transactions, creating detailed audit plans for efficient execution, capacity building, leveraging international expertise and technology, among others.”

He urged participants to apply what they had learned to strengthen the Service’s PCA system and protect national revenue.

Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Suleiman Chiroma from the Strategic Research and Policy Department of NCS, emphasised that PCA is a tool that ensures the smooth running of Customs processes by introducing measures, methods, and various approaches for seamless transactions. 

He remarked, “Collaboration with these organisations is key to the survival and success of the NCS.”

Also speaking, a World Customs Organisation expert, Russell Clark expressed his appreciation for the collaboration and commended the NCS’s dedication to improving its processes in facilitating trade.

…Mobereola assures NIMASA will assiduously work, to become a revered voice, in global maritime diplomacy

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, has commended Nigeria’s committed efforts to ensure the safety and security of commercial shipping in the Gulf of Guinea.

The IMO Scribe gave the commendation during a meeting with the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, at the IMO headquarters in London, stressing that the commendation has particularly become imperative now, following recent developments in the Red Sea which have resulted in heavier shipping traffic in the region.

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, IMO, Arsenio Dominguez also commended the NIMASA DG for engaging the technical team at the IMO on how Nigeria could address all identified gaps from the 2016 audit conducted by the organization.

In his words: “I want to appreciate the effort of Nigeria on the progress made so far as regards security in the Gulf of Guinea region. 

“There were concerns due to the situation in the Red Sea and resultant pressure around the Gulf of Guinea but we are pleased that the situation has remained the same.

 “We at IMO have been working with Nigeria through NIMASA and we desire that the partnership continues. I am also happy that you, DG, are meeting with IMO technical staff on how to close all identified gaps before the next audit cycle. 

“This is a step in the right direction and we are ready to give any technical support”, the IMO Secretary-General said, before announcing that the Organization is working on enhancing the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) to provide better services to member states in terms of information management.

On his part, the NIMASA DG, Dr Dayo Mobereola, declared that his administration would pay attention to details on how Nigeria can become a voice to be reckoned with in global maritime diplomacy, adding that Nigeria is committed to sustaining the momentum of recent achievements in safety and security within the maritime domain.

According to Mobereola, “My tenure will leverage existing relationships both locally and internationally to sustain the momentum in safety and security within the Nigerian maritime domain. 

“The creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry in Nigeria by Mr. President emphasizes the policy direction of this administration. Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria plays an active leading role not just in the region or the IMO, but in the global maritime space.”

Speaking further, he noted that his meeting with IMO technical staff was aimed at ensuring that NIMASA and the IMO are aligned before the next audit cycle.

 “I discovered today that some critical information regarding our administration and the technical team at the IMO is obsolete, and we are reviewing it to update it immediately. 

“We do not see the IMO audit as an examination but rather as a guide to assist Nigeria in achieving its potential; hence, my decision to get personally involved. We need to get the basics right”. Mobereola also stated. 

He announced that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has constituted a committee to address all areas of concern raised in the 2016 IMO audit report. This includes reviewing NIMASA’s enabling laws and effectively implementing a corrective action plan. 

…To bolster air Surveillance Efforts 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has taken a significant step towards strengthening Nigeria Customs Service air surveillance capabilities, acquiring a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B. 

The newly acquired aircraft which was inspected on Friday, 20 September 2024, in Bartlesville, Washington, USA, marked a pivotal moment for the NCS Air-wing operations.

Registered as 5N-BAA, the aircraft was scheduled to enhance the Service’s air patrol and surveillance efforts.

Powered by the reliable PT6 Pratt and Whitney engine, the Cessna Grand Caravan is globally recognised for its rugged versatility, short-field take-off and landing capabilities, and ability to operate on remote airstrips—making it ideally suited for border security operations in Nigeria.

The CGC, Adeniyi emphasized the importance of this acquisition, noting that the aircraft is fitted with the modern Garmin G1000 Avionics cockpit system, enabling operations under day, night, and low-visibility conditions. 

“With this aircraft, we will strengthen our air border patrol capabilities, which will not only help us intercept illegal activities but also provide quick extraction support when necessary” 

“This aircraft will be a game-changer for the Nigeria Customs Services’ Air-wing. Its ability to carry 10 officers, coupled with its six-hour aerial endurance, will significantly enhance our capacity for air surveillance and border patrol,” CGC Adeniyi stated.

The Cessna Grand Caravan will play a crucial role in air patrols aimed at detecting smuggling routes, deploying armed personnel, and providing swift support for ground operations. 

“With this aircraft, we will strengthen our air border patrol capabilities, which will not only help us intercept illegal activities but also provide quick extraction support when necessary,” CGC Adeniyi explained, aligning the move with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

“This is a long-term investment for the Service that not only enhances our operational efficiency but also contributes to the sustainability of our air surveillance programs”

Additionally, the aircraft will serve as a strategic asset for Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, offering logistical support and revenue generation.

CGC Adeniyi underscored the cost-efficiency of the Cessna Grand Caravan, noting that its operational costs are relatively low compared to other aircraft in its class. 

“This is a long-term investment for the Service that not only enhances our operational efficiency but also contributes to the sustainability of our air surveillance programs,” he added.

Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, the Aircraft Operations Coordinator and Managing Director of Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, lauded the acquisition as a milestone for the NCS aviation unit.

“With this aircraft, the Nigeria Customs Service is poised to revitalize its air border patrol activities, securing our borders more effectively and improving revenue generation for both the Service and the nation,” Capt. Mbaya remarked.

The acquisition of the Cessna Grand Caravan is expected to provide significant tactical advantages to the Nigeria Customs Service, tightening border security, and sending a clear signal to economic saboteurs that the Service is better equipped than ever to combat smuggling activities.