Customs Trains 3,270 Officer, Advocates for Impact-Driven Reform Communication at WCO Capacity Building Session.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) showcased its impact-focused reform communication model at the 17th Session of the Capacity Building Committee of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), held at its 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 Abdullahi Maiwada, outlined how the Service has transitioned from routine reporting to evidence-based storytelling that highlights reform outcomes and measurable impact.

Maiwada explained that under the leadership of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi MFR—who also chairs the WCO Council—the Service’s communication framework is anchored on three pillars: Institutional capacity building, human resource development, and stakeholder engagement

This approach ensures reforms are not only implemented but also clearly understood and trusted.

The NCS spokesman highlighted key reforms to include:
– Time Release Study (TRS): Transparent data tools, including infographics, revealed that cargo clearance delays stemmed largely from systemic idle time rather than inspection procedures. This shifted the narrative from defensive explanations to performance benchmarking, strengthening accountability across the trade ecosystem.

– Advance Ruling Programme: In 2025, 83 rulings were issued, while registered accounts surged from 60 in December 2024 to 173 in December 2025—a 188.3% increase. The initiative contributed 2.9% of total revenue from goods valued at ₦240.89 billion, underscoring its role in predictability and voluntary compliance.
– Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme: About 120 companies achieved full certification, while 3,270 officers were trained nationwide as AEO Champions to sustain implementation and deepen stakeholder engagement.
– Digital Transformation: Deployment of the indigenous Unified Customs Management System, B’Odogwu, marked a milestone in automation, supported by continuous sensitisation and user engagement.
– Integrity Perception Survey: A data-driven tool now enables measurable integrity management, reinforcing accountability and public trust.

Maiwada urged WCO member administrations to integrate communication units at the design stage of reforms, humanise institutional processes, sustain engagement beyond single events, and strengthen peer learning across Customs administrations.

At the close of the session, Nigeria nominated LI Yan of China Customs as Chair of the 18th Session of the WCO Capacity Building Committee. Her nomination received unanimous support. LI Yan, China’s Customs Attaché to Brussels since 2020, has successfully managed multilateral and bilateral initiatives within the WCO and with key partners. Her four terms as Vice Chair, election as Chair at the 16th Session, and reelection at the 17th Session reflect her dedication and the Committee’s confidence in her leadership.