Abuja, Nigeria – Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Marshal Shehu Mohammed, mni, attended the 4th World Customs Organization (WCO) Donors Conference for West and Central Africa on April 9, 2025.
Nigeria hosted the high-level event under Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller General BA Adeniyi, MFR’s leadership, uniting regional stakeholders to address modernization challenges.
The conference gathered customs leaders, development partners, and technical experts to advance modernization initiatives across 23 member nations. Centered on the theme “Partner Mobilization Around Priority Projects: A Genuine Pledge to Meet Modernization Goals,” discussions emphasized actionable strategies to boost customs efficiency.
In a recent press release shared on FRSC’s X platform, Mohammed emphasized the vital importance of collaboration.
He highlighted that effective teamwork is crucial for achieving modernization targets successfully.
Delegates analyzed current operational challenges and identified strategic interventions to accelerate progress.
Participants spotlighted resource gaps, advocating for tailored technical support and technology upgrades to meet performance benchmarks.
Meanwhile, Adeniyi reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to driving regional reforms, citing ongoing digitization efforts as a model for neighboring administrations.
The summit highlighted collective pledges to transform customs systems through innovation, data-driven policies, and cross-border partnerships.
Key conversations focused on pooling resources and expertise to streamline administrative processes and curb smuggling.
Additionally, stakeholders explored funding mechanisms to sustain long-term infrastructure upgrades, aiming to ease trade bottlenecks.
Nigeria’s selection as host underscored its strategic influence in regional governance and multilateral cooperation.
Analysts noted the nation’s proactive stance in addressing transnational challenges, from illicit trafficking to revenue leakage.
Organizers anticipate the summit will produce concrete plans to bolster customs efficiency and stimulate economic growth across both regions.
The FRSC’s participation signaled its expanding role in supporting interagency initiatives beyond road safety.
Mohammed reiterated the corps’ readiness to collaborate on joint enforcement operations and intelligence sharing.
His presence aligned with broader governmental efforts to harmonize transport and trade policies, ensuring safer corridors for commerce.
Observers praised the conference’s outcomes, framing them as pivotal for achieving the WCO’s 2030 Agenda.
As member states finalize project timelines, development partners pledged increased technical assistance.
The FRSC’s involvement underscores its broader commitment to cross-sector partnerships advancing institutional modernization continent-wide.
This year’s conference marked a milestone in regional cooperation, with delegates unanimously endorsing a roadmap for measurable progress.
Final resolutions will be presented at the WCO’s global summit in November, reinforcing West and Central Africa’s growing voice in shaping customs innovation.