CGC Adeniyi reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to regional customs modernisation at WCO conference in freetown

…As West and Central Africa Customs Chiefs push for digital transformation, intelligence-led trade facilitation

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional modernisation, deeper collaboration, and shared growth across West and Central Africa.

Adeniyi made the declaration at the 32nd Conference of Directors-General of Customs for the West and Central Africa (WCA) Region, held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from Thursday, 7 to Friday, 8 May 2026.

Speaking at the high-level forum, he stressed that Nigeria’s leadership within the WCA Customs structure is anchored on unity, inclusiveness, and shared responsibility among member states.

“This chairmanship is not mine. It belongs to the region that sent me,” Adeniyi said, noting that leadership within the region reflects collective trust and rotational inclusiveness.

He explained that the West and Central Africa Customs region derives its strength from a unique tradition where leadership rotates among member countries, ensuring equal participation regardless of national size or economic strength.

“Every member, big or small, takes its turn. We pass the baton from one capital to the next, and in doing so, we reaffirm our unity,” he added.

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

The theme of the conference, “A Customs Service that Protects Society Through its Vigilance and Commitment,” set the tone for discussions focused on digital transformation, intelligence-led enforcement, and improved cross-border coordination.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance described Customs administrations as critical institutions for safeguarding national economies, unveiling reforms including upgrades to ASYCUDA World, implementation of Single Window systems, and digital solutions for trade transparency and revenue assurance.

Delegates also considered reports from the World Customs Organisation Secretariat and regional working groups, focusing on harmonisation of Customs procedures, real-time information exchange, and the fight against illicit trade.

Digital transformation remained a central priority, with emphasis on Single Window implementation, the ECOWAS SIGMAT transit system, and the operational impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on Customs cooperation, risk management, and data sharing.

Participants agreed that while trade facilitation is essential, it must be supported by strong Customs intelligence systems to prevent abuse of trade corridors and transnational criminal activities.

The conference also approved the election of the Central African Republic as the new Vice Chair of the WCA Customs Region, succeeding Mali after the completion of its tenure.

The conference ended with renewed commitments by member states to deepen regional integration, strengthen Customs modernisation, and enhance security across trade routes in West and Central Africa.

This report was made available to journalists on Sunday, 10th May, 2026.