The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has showcased its impact-focused reform communication model at the 17th Session of the Capacity Building Committee of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) held in Brussels from 25 to 27 February 2026.
The presentation, titled “Communicating the Results of Capacity-Building Initiatives More Effectively: Nigeria Customs Service Experience and Lessons Learned,” highlighted the Service’s transition from routine activity reporting to evidence-based storytelling that demonstrates reform outcomes and measurable impact.
Highlights:
Reform Communication Framework: The Service’s framework is structured around institutional capacity building, human resource development, and stakeholder capacity engagement.
Time Release Study (TRS): The Service adopted transparent data presentation tools to demonstrate cargo clearance delays, shifting the narrative from defensive explanations to performance benchmarking.
Advance Ruling Programme: 83 Advance Rulings were issued in 2025, with registered accounts growing from 60 to 173, reflecting a 188.3% increase in stakeholder participation.
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme: About 120 Companies received full AEO certification, with 3,270 officers trained as AEO Champions .
The NCS encourages WCO member administrations to integrate communication units at the design stage of reform initiatives and strengthen peer learning across Customs administrations.
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