# Nigeria Customs Service modernization and reform

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-customs-service-modernization-and-reform
> Updated: 2026-10-28T06:46:05.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 4.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has initiated several measures aimed at improving organizational integrity and operational efficiency. In late September 2026, the NCS launched a nationwide integrity perception survey in collaboration with the World Customs Organisation to evaluate corruption, transparency, and accountability.

By late October 2026, the service advanced its technological upgrades following a two-week Factory Acceptance Test in China. This test verified new Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) equipment and an Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) designed to improve cargo examination, reduce dwell times, and detect prohibited items while minimizing physical inspections. Alongside these upgrades, the Western Marine Command reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian Navy to combat smuggling and secure maritime waterways through joint operations and intelligence sharing.

In addition to trade facilitation, the NCS has pledged to intensify efforts against money laundering, terrorism financing, and other illicit cross-border financial activities. During a stocktaking meeting in Abuja, Deputy Comptroller-General Kikelomo Adeola emphasized the necessity of identifying gaps to prevent Nigeria from returning to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. Adeola highlighted that the service requires sustained cooperation with institutions like the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to address these crimes.

Looking ahead to December 2026, the NCS is scheduled to host two major conferences in Abuja: the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Conference and the Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) 2026 Conference. These events are intended to address border management challenges, promote regional economic integration, and discuss digital transformation in customs operations.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-28: Nigeria Customs Service pledges stronger anti-money laundering efforts

The Nigeria Customs Service is intensifying efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing to maintain Nigeria's status following its removal from the FATF grey list.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-service-pledges-stronger-anti-money-laundering-efforts

### 2026-10-23: Nigeria Customs Service advances modernization and security initiatives

Nigeria Customs is upgrading maritime security and trade through new high-tech cargo scanners tested in China and upcoming conferences in Abuja focused on border security and African trade integration.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-tests-advanced-cargo-scanners-in-china

### 2026-10-20: Nigeria Customs Service tests new cargo tracking and scanning technology

Nigeria Customs Service experts are testing new high-tech scanners and electronic cargo tracking systems in China to enhance trade facilitation, security, and revenue collection.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-service-tests-new-cargo-tracking-and-scanning-technology

### 2026-09-28: Nigeria Customs Service launches nationwide integrity survey

The Nigeria Customs Service has launched a nationwide integrity survey to assess corruption and transparency, collaborating with the World Customs Organisation to identify areas for institutional reform.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-customs-service-launches-nationwide-integrity-survey

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Cite as: Nigeria Customs Service modernization and reform. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-customs-service-modernization-and-reform
