CG Adeniyi Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Customs Modernisation, Regional Collaboration in West and Central Africa
Written by Queen Abayomi
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional modernisation and stronger collaboration among Customs administrations in West and Central Africa.
Speaking at the 32nd Conference of Directors-General of Customs for the West and Central Africa (WCA) Region held in Freetown from May 7 to 8, 2026, Adeniyi stressed that Nigeria’s leadership within the region is driven by unity, inclusiveness, and shared progress among member nations.
He described the WCA region’s rotational leadership structure as a symbol of fairness and cohesion, noting that every member state, regardless of size, is given the opportunity to lead and host regional activities.
“This chairmanship is not mine. It belongs to the region that sent me,” Adeniyi said, adding that he represents the collective interests of all Customs administrations in the region.
The Comptroller-General also commended Sierra Leone for its hospitality and praised the WCO Secretary-General and members of the WCO Policy Commission for promoting inclusive Customs reforms and advancing the region’s interests globally.
The conference was officially opened by Sierra Leone’s President and ECOWAS Chairman, Julius Maada 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 heavily on digital transformation and intelligence-led Customs operations. Discussions covered the implementation of Single Window systems, the ECOWAS SIGMAT transit framework, and the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on Customs harmonisation and data exchange.
Delegates also reviewed measures aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation, improving information sharing to combat illicit trade, and enhancing administrative efficiency through better budgetary and audit systems.
The conference further highlighted the importance of balancing regional trade integration with effective border control systems capable of preventing abuse of trade corridors and tackling transnational crimes.
At the end of the conference, the Central African Republic was elected as the new Vice Chair for the WCO West and Central Africa Region, succeeding Mali after the completion of its two-year tenure.
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(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MAY 12TH 2026)
