By Sabiu Abdullahi
The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has collaborated with the European Union (EU), the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, and GIZ to launch a capacity-building program for the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).
The training, held from May 20 to May 31, 2024, focused on critical customs procedures such as Tariff Classification, Rules of Origin, and Customs Valuation.
“The capacity building is divided into three stages: Intermediate, Advanced, and Training-of-Trainers (ToT), to ensure a thorough and progressive enhancement of skills among NCS officers,” said a WCO official.
The training aimed to improve the implementation of Advance Ruling, a trade facilitation measure designed to bring certainty and transparency to Nigeria’s customs operations.
“The WCO has supported the development of Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) to guide the implementation of Advance Rulings, providing detailed guidelines on handling HS and RoO,” the official added.
The initiative aims to create a more efficient and transparent customs environment in Nigeria, aligning with international standards and fostering greater trust and cooperation in global trade.