Nigeria Customs Highlights Results-Oriented Reform Communication at 17th WCO Capacity Building Committee Session

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has presented its impact-driven reform communication strategy at the 17th Session of the Capacity Building Committee of the World Customs Organization (WCO), held at the organisation’s headquarters in Brussels from 25 to 27 February 2026.

Delivering a presentation titled “Communicating the Results of Capacity-Building Initiatives More Effectively: Nigeria Customs Service Experience and Lessons Learned,” the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, outlined how the Service has shifted from routine activity reporting to evidence-based storytelling that clearly demonstrates reform outcomes and measurable impact.

Maiwada explained that under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who also serves as Chairperson of the WCO Council, the NCS has intentionally repositioned its communication framework to emphasise transparency, accountability, and results.

According to him, the Service’s reform communication model is anchored on three core pillars: institutional capacity building, human resource development, and stakeholder capacity engagement—ensuring that reforms are not only implemented but clearly understood and trusted by stakeholders.

Using the Time Release Study (TRS) as a case study, Maiwada highlighted how transparent data presentation tools, including infographics, were deployed to demonstrate that a significant proportion of cargo clearance delays stemmed from systemic idle time rather than inspection procedures. He noted that this evidence-based approach shifted the narrative from defensive explanations to performance benchmarking, thereby strengthening shared accountability across the trade ecosystem.

Speaking on the Advance Ruling programme, he disclosed that the Service issued 83 Advance Rulings in 2025. Registered accounts also increased from 60 in December 2024 to 173 in December 2025, representing a 188.3 percent growth in stakeholder participation. The initiative accounted for 2.9 percent of total revenue from goods valued at ₦240.89 billion in 2025, underscoring the role of structured communication in enhancing predictability and voluntary compliance.

On the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, Maiwada revealed that approximately 120 companies have received full AEO certification. In addition, 3,270 officers were trained nationwide as AEO Champions to sustain implementation and deepen stakeholder engagement.

He also referenced the deployment of the indigenous Unified Customs Management System, known as B’Odogwu, as a landmark achievement in digital transformation, supported by continuous sensitisation and user engagement initiatives.

Furthermore, Maiwada highlighted the Customs Integrity Perception Survey as a data-driven instrument for strengthening accountability and public trust, noting that integrity management within the Service is now measurable and subject to continuous assessment.

He encouraged WCO member administrations to integrate communication units at the design stage of reform initiatives, humanise institutional processes, sustain engagement beyond single events, and promote peer learning across Customs administrations.

At the conclusion of the session, Nigeria nominated LI Yan of China Customs for the position of Chair of the 18th Session of the WCO Capacity Building Committee. She received unanimous support from all delegates. As China’s Customs Attaché to Brussels since 2020, LI Yan has effectively coordinated multilateral and bilateral initiatives within the WCO and with key partners, fostering collaboration and innovation. Her previous four terms as Vice Chair, election as Chair at the 16th Session, and recent re-election at the 17th Session reflect the Committee’s confidence in her leadership and dedication.