Abuja, Nigeria – April 9, 2025- The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) underscored its leadership in advancing trade reforms across West and Central Africa (WCA) during the 4th World Customs Organization (WCO) Donors’ Conference.
Hosted at Abuja’s Muhammadu Buhari Conference Hall, the event highlighted the NCS’s pivotal role in driving regional economic integration.
Marking the first major post-pandemic gathering, the conference united stakeholders committed to modernizing customs operations.
Key attendees included WCO representative Mr. Ebenezer Tafili, Mali Customs Director-General Amadou Konaté, and National Intelligence Agency Director-General Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
Honourable Minister of Finance Olawale Edun officially opened the conference, praising the NCS for achieving a 90% revenue surge and exceeding targets by 20%.
He credited these gains to modernized processes and strategic WCO-backed investments.
“Strategic investments and technology are revolutionizing trade and strengthening regional integration,” Edun declared.
Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi addressed persistent challenges, including digital infrastructure gaps and poor interconnectivity hindering regional trade.
Despite obstacles, he highlighted Nigeria’s progress through initiatives like the B’Odogwu platform, advanced scanners, and training for 5,000 officers.
“We are tackling hurdles with innovation,” Adeniyi asserted.
Adeniyi outlined five donor-supported strategies: AI-driven anti-smuggling efforts, a Regional Single Window system, and expanded digital infrastructure.
These initiatives aim to enhance collaboration, transparency, and real-time data exchange across borders.
The conference fostered dialogue among customs leaders, donors, diplomats, and industry figures, seeking collaborative solutions to technical and operational challenges.
Participants emphasized the urgency of addressing e-commerce complexities and streamlining technical procedures.
As discussions continue, actionable strategies are expected to emerge, reinforcing trade efficiency and economic unity in West and Central Africa.
The NCS solidifies its position as a regional trade reform leader, leveraging partnerships to overcome barriers.
Minister Edun reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining momentum, while Adeniyi called for unified regional efforts to harness technology.
Both leaders emphasized the conference’s role in shaping a resilient, integrated economic future.
With donor pledges anticipated, the event signals a transformative phase for customs administrations.
Stakeholders expressed optimism, citing Nigeria’s success as a blueprint for regional progress.
The conference concludes tomorrow, with resolutions expected to accelerate digitization, combat smuggling, and foster cross-border cooperation.
As West and Central Africa navigate evolving trade landscapes, the NCS remains at the forefront, championing innovation and unity.
Industry experts hailed the discussions as timely, noting their potential to reduce bottlenecks and boost investor confidence.
“This collaboration marks a turning point,” remarked a delegate from the ECOWAS Trade Commission.
Ultimately, the conference reaffirmed the critical role of customs agencies in driving sustainable development.
By prioritizing technology and regional synergy, the WCO-WCA partnership aims to unlock unprecedented economic opportunities for millions.
Nigeria’s proactive stance sets a compelling precedent, inspiring neighboring nations to embrace similar reforms.
As the curtains close on this landmark event, the path to a seamless, prosperous trade ecosystem in West and Central Africa grows clearer.