Customs boss advocates cooperation amongst customers in West, Central Africa

Omeiza Bilal

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has advocated for stronger cooperation among customs administrations in the West and Central Africa (WCA) region.

Speaking at the Cultural Night-Out and Dinner during the fourth World Customs Organisation – WCA Donor Conference in Abuja, Adeniyi emphasised the need for greater collaboration and mutual understanding to achieve regional development goals.

Adeniyi highlighted the importance of unity in the face of shared challenges, stating that enhanced cooperation among customs agencies would drive economic growth and improve the well-being of the region’s people. He also noted that African nations share deep cultural ties, which should serve as a foundation for regional solidarity.

“Those things that unite us are more important than those that separate us,” Adeniyi said. He warned against divisive external influences and stressed the need for customs administrations to work together in trade facilitation, security, and revenue collection. The Cultural Night, he added, is a celebration of heritage and a symbol of regional integration.

Vice President of the WCO/WCA region, Amadou Konate, expressed optimism that the conference would strengthen customs operations and deepen partnerships to tackle common issues.

The conference also aims to raise awareness about development partners’ efforts in the WCA region, coordinate regional and national projects, and secure funding for their implementation.

Konate praised Nigeria’s customs reforms, noting that other countries in the region are looking to replicate its modernisation strategies.