Customs Chiefs Seek Stronger Border Security, Trade Integration in Freetown

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional modernisation and stronger collaboration among Customs administrations in West and Central Africa.

Adeniyi, who also serves as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council, made the declaration during the 32nd Conference of Directors-General of Customs for the West and Central Africa Region held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Speaking at the two-day conference, the Customs boss said Nigeria’s leadership within the region was driven by the collective interest and shared progress of member states.

He described the region’s tradition of rotational leadership as a symbol of inclusiveness and unity, noting that every member nation, regardless of size, is given the opportunity to host and lead regional engagements.

According to him, the spirit of cooperation within the region has strengthened cohesion among member states and enhanced collaboration on Customs reforms and trade facilitation.

Adeniyi also commended the World Customs Organisation Secretary-General and members of the WCO Policy Commission from the region for promoting inclusive global Customs reforms and advancing the interests of West and Central Africa.

The conference was officially declared open by Sierra Leonean President and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Julius Maada Bio, who stressed the need for stronger regional cooperation in trade facilitation, border security and economic integration.

The conference, themed “A Customs Service that Protects Society Through its Vigilance andCommitment,” focused on digital transformation, intelligence-led operations and regional strategies to combat illicit trade and transnational crimes.

Delegates also discussed the implementation of Single Window systems, the ECOWAS SIGMAT framework for transit verification and the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area on Customs harmonisation and data exchange across the region.

Participants agreed on the need for stronger Customs systems capable of facilitating legitimate trade while preventing abuse of regional trade corridors by criminal networks.

The conference also reviewed budgetary, audit and administrative matters aimed at improving efficiency within Customs administrations across the region.

At the end of the meeting, the Central African Republic was elected as the new Vice Chair of the WCO West and Central Africa Region, succeedingMali after the completion of its two-year tenure.