Abuja, Nigeria —Finance Minister Wale Edun urgently urged West and Central African nations to modernize their customs systems.
This modernization aims to spur economic growth and enhance regional integration.
During the World Customs Organization’s Fourth Development Partners Conference in Abuja, he stressed the need to capitalize on Africa’s $1 trillion market.
Additionally, he emphasized the potential of serving 450 million consumers across the continent.
Despite vast resources, intra-regional trade languishes at 12%, a figure Edun labeled “unacceptably low” given the region’s potential.
He argued streamlined customs procedures could dismantle barriers, unlock commerce, and reduce reliance on external markets.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s recent customs revenue surge—a 90% annual increase—signals progress, yet Edun insisted reforms must go further.
“Revenue gains are just the start,” he declared, urging structural overhauls to sustain momentum.
Key to Nigeria’s strategy is the Single Window Project, set to launch by early 2026, which will digitize and unify customs processes.
Edun pushed for broader adoption of global tools like the Authorized Economic Operator program, which fast-tracks trusted traders, and the Advanced Ruling system to clarify tariffs.
These measures, he said, would slash delays, curb corruption, and boost investor confidence.
However, success hinges on collaboration. The minister appealed for coordinated donor support and long-term technical aid, noting reforms often rely on World Bank loans already embedded in national budgets.
“Piecemeal efforts won’t suffice,” he warned, emphasizing regional alignment to avoid duplication.
Over 200 delegates, including customs chiefs, trade experts, and donors, are attending the two-day summit to draft actionable plans.
Priorities include harmonizing policies, upgrading infrastructure, and fostering public-private partnerships.
Participants expressed optimism, citing rising political will and precedents like the African Continental Free Trade Area.
As talks continue, stakeholders aim to transform customs from a revenue gatekeeper to a trade enabler.
Edun’s vision—a seamless, tech-driven system—could reshape regional economies, creating jobs and stabilizing vulnerable nations.
With reforms, West and Central Africa might finally harness their collective strength, turning dormant borders into engines of shared prosperity.
The conference concludes Thursday, with expectations of formalized agreements to accelerate modernization.
For millions across the region, the stakes are clear: faster trade, cheaper goods, and a resilient future in an interconnected world.