By Stephen Simon
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified efforts to strengthen tax compliance and align its operations with the Federal Government’s evolving fiscal reforms through a comprehensive training programme for officers on new tax policies and administration procedures.
The two-day capacity-building exercise, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), was held at the Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, from June 17 to 18, 2026. It brought together members of the Customs Management Team, Comptrollers, Superintendents, and officers across various cadres.
Speaking at the opening of the programme on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, said the training was necessitated by recent changes in Nigeria’s tax administration framework and the need for officers to remain updated on their obligations under the new regime.
She said the Nigeria Customs Service, as a key institution in national revenue generation, must ensure its personnel are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to effectively navigate the changing fiscal environment.
“As a Service entrusted with a critical role in national revenue generation, we must remain abreast of evolving tax policies and ensure strict compliance with our statutory obligations. This training is designed to equip our officers with the requisite knowledge to navigate the new tax regime effectively and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability,” she stated.
Also speaking, Assistant Director of Tax at the Nigeria Revenue Service, Victoria Udo, emphasised the importance of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) as one of the most reliable mechanisms for collecting personal income tax.
She noted that compliance with tax obligations not only fulfils legal requirements but also grants access to tax clearance certificates and other financial opportunities. Udo encouraged participants to actively engage in the training sessions by asking questions and sharing experiences to deepen their understanding of the new tax laws.
The training forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen institutional capacity, improve compliance with fiscal policies, and support the Federal Government’s revenue mobilisation and economic reform agenda.
DCG Adeola stressed that tax compliance goes beyond legal obligations, describing it as a reflection of the Service’s commitment to transparency, accountability and national development. She added that continuous investment in personnel development would position the Service to adapt to emerging fiscal reforms while maintaining public confidence in its operations.
