The World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the European Union (EU), the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, and GIZ, has initiated a series of capacity-building programs to strengthen the capabilities of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). These programs focus on improving the implementation of Advance Ruling, a key trade facilitation measure designed to ensure certainty and transparency in Nigeria’s customs operations through legally binding decisions provided before transactions occur.
The training sessions took place from May 20 to May 31, 2024, at the NCS Headquarters. They emphasized crucial customs procedures such as Tariff Classification, Rules of Origin (RoO), and Customs Valuation, supported by the EU-WCO Harmonized System (HS) and Rules of Origin for Africa Programmes.
The comprehensive capacity-building initiative is structured into three stages: Intermediate, Advanced, and Training-of-Trainers (ToT), ensuring a gradual and thorough skill enhancement for NCS officers. The final ToT session is slated for July 2024.
NCS officers received targeted training in tariff classification, with a focus on complex products like textiles, chemicals, and plastics, which are vital for accurate and efficient customs operations.
Additionally, on May 2, 2024, the NCS conducted a soft launch and stakeholder consultation for the Advance Ruling System, setting the stage for its full implementation. A detailed sensitisation program, in collaboration with the WCO and GIZ, will begin in July 2024 to educate stakeholders and promote widespread adoption of the new system.
Furthermore, the WCO has supported the development of Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) to guide the implementation of Advance Rulings, offering comprehensive guidelines on handling HS and RoO.
These capacity-building efforts by the WCO and its partners are crucial in equipping NCS officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement Advance Rulings. This 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.