The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing regional customs modernisation and strengthening collective growth across West and Central Africa.
Adeniyi, who also chairs the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, made this known at the 32nd Conference of Directors-General of Customs for the West and Central Africa (WCA) Region held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Nigeria Leads Push for Regional Customs Reform
Addressing delegates at the high-level summit, Adeniyi emphasised that Nigeria’s leadership within the WCO framework is rooted in collaboration, inclusiveness, and shared regional progress.
“This chairmanship is not mine. It belongs to the region that sent me,” he said, stressing that decisions taken at the global level reflect the collective interests of member states.
He highlighted the region’s long-standing tradition of rotational leadership, describing it as a key driver of unity and cohesion among customs administrations.
“Our strength lies in inclusivity. Every nation, regardless of size, has the opportunity to lead, and that strengthens our regional identity,” Adeniyi noted.
Focus on Digital Transformation, Trade Facilitation
The conference, held from May 7 to May 8, 2026, brought together customs leaders from across West and Central Africa to deliberate on strategies for improving border management, trade facilitation, and regional economic integration.
With the theme “A Customs Service that Protects Society Through its Vigilance and Commitment,” discussions focused on transitioning from traditional enforcement approaches to intelligence-driven and technology-enabled customs operations.
Delegates explored frameworks for harmonising customs procedures, enhancing real-time information sharing, and strengthening efforts to combat illicit trade across borders.
Sierra Leone Calls for Stronger Regional Cooperation
Declaring the conference open, Sierra Leone’s President and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Julius Maada Bio, underscored the importance of deeper collaboration among member states.
He called for coordinated policies to boost trade efficiency, strengthen border security, and accelerate regional integration.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance also outlined the country’s customs modernisation roadmap, including upgrades to ASYCUDA World, deployment of a Single Window system, and implementation of product tracking solutions to improve revenue collection and transparency.
Strengthening Global Representation
Adeniyi commended the WCO Secretary-General and members of the Policy Commission for ensuring that the West and Central Africa region remains actively represented in global customs reforms.
He noted that sustained engagement at international platforms is critical for aligning regional priorities with global best practices.
Over the course of the conference, participants reviewed reports from the WCO Secretariat and regional working groups, focusing on operational efficiency, budgetary oversight, and institutional reforms.
Analysts say Nigeria’s leadership at the WCO and its push for modernisation could enhance trade competitiveness, improve border security, and boost investor confidence across the region.
