Nigeria’s Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional modernisation and cooperation during the 32nd Conference of Directors-General of Customs for the West and Central Africa region held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Adeniyi, who also chairs the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, said Nigeria’s leadership role within the region was rooted in unity and collective progress among member states.
Speaking at the two-day conference held from May 7 to May 8, Adeniyi highlighted what he described as the region’s tradition of “rotational inclusiveness”, where member states take turns hosting and leading regional customs activities.
“This chairmanship is not mine. It belongs to the region that sent me. “Anytime I take the chair, I take it on behalf of every administration represented in this hall”, Adeniyi said.
He said the practice had strengthened cohesion within the West and Central Africa customs bloc.
“Our region has a quiet but powerful tradition. Every member, big or small, takes its turn. The right to host is not negotiated,” Adeniyi added.
Adeniyi also commended the WCO Secretary-General and members of the WCO Policy Commission for promoting inclusive customs reforms and advancing the interests of the West and Central Africa region in global customs decision-making.
The conference was opened by Sierra Leone President Julius Bio, who called for stronger regional cooperation to improve trade facilitation, border security and economic integration across West and Central Africa.
Held under the theme, “A Customs Service that Protects Society Through its Vigilance and Commitment,” the conference focused on customs modernisation, digital transformation and intelligence-led border protection.
Delegates discussed measures including the implementation of Single Window systems, the ECOWAS SIGMAT framework for transit verification and the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on customs harmonisation and regional trade.
Participants also reviewed strategies to improve information sharing, combat illicit trade and strengthen coordinated border controls across the region.
Sierra Leone’s finance minister outlined the country’s customs modernisation agenda, including upgrades to the ASYCUDA World platform, implementation of a Single Window Customs and Ports Community System and the introduction of product tracing systems for excisable goods.
Delegates agreed that regional trade integration must be supported by effective customs systems capable of facilitating legitimate commerce while tackling smuggling and transnational crimes.
The discussions aligned with the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing reforms focused on automation, intelligence-led operations and regional cooperation.
The conference also elected the Central African Republic as the new Vice Chair for the WCO West and Central Africa Region, succeeding Mali after the completion of its two-year tenure.