Customs Inaugurates WCO Mentoring Mission to Boost Anti-Money Laundering Efforts
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has inaugurated a four-week mentoring mission by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) to strengthen its capacity to detect and disrupt illicit financial flows, money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
The inauguration took place on Monday, 19 October 2026, at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, under the theme, “Strengthening Nigeria Customs Service Capabilities to Effectively Detect and Disrupt Illicit Financial Flows.”
Funded by the United States Department of State, the mission runs from 18 October to 13 November 2026. It will feature visits to selected Customs formations in Lagos and key partner agencies, alongside capacity-building programmes for officers in Lagos and Abuja.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling money laundering and terrorism financing.
Adeniyi recalled the coordinated reforms undertaken by relevant government institutions that contributed to Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in 2025, stressing the need to sustain the gains through continuous cooperation and institutional strengthening.
He noted that progress made by one agency must be complemented by improvements in other institutions to achieve lasting results in the fight against financial crimes.
The CGC expressed confidence in the commitment and professionalism of Customs officers participating in the exercise, assuring the WCO delegation of their full cooperation.
“Competent officers who have passion for the job will give you all the cooperation to ensure we learn from other Customs administrations regarding what we are doing and how we can do better,” he said.
Earlier, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Strategic Research and Policy (S&RP), Nafiu Isiaku, introduced the WCO delegation, comprising Jorge Lasmar, Lisa Vallese and Laurent Szymkowiak.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Lasmar explained that the mission was designed to strengthen the operational capabilities of the NCS rather than evaluate its existing activities.
“The mission is not an assessment of Customs operations, but an engagement aimed at further strengthening the capacity of the Nigeria Customs Service,” he stated.
Lasmar appreciated the NCS leadership for its guidance and cooperation, assuring that the team would present a comprehensive report at the conclusion of the exercise.
The mentoring mission is expected to enhance the technical expertise of Customs officers, strengthen collaboration with relevant agencies and improve the Service’s ability to identify and disrupt illicit financial networks operating across Nigeria’s borders.
