Fourth WCO-WCA Donor Conference Ends in Grand Style, CGC Adeniyi Calls for Decisive Regional Action

The Fourth Donor Conference of the World Customs Organization – West and Central Africa (WCO-WCA) Regional Office for Capacity Building drew to a colourful close on Friday, 11 April 2025, at the Muhammadu Buhari Conference Centre in Abuja, leaving in its wake a strong call for intensified collaboration and modernisation in customs administration across the sub-region.

The five-day high-level event brought together customs experts, donor agencies, and stakeholders from various countries in West and Central Africa, providing a platform for strategic dialogue, progress evaluation, and collective visioning for the future of customs operations within the region.

In his closing remarks, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who represented the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Olawale Edun, lauded the participants for their commitment and robust engagement throughout the duration of the conference.

“I know the schedule has been very intense,” he acknowledged, “but I hope you’ve also taken time to enjoy the hospitality and rich culture around you. I assure you that the recommendations made during this conference will be addressed, as we continue to support modernisation programmes within our customs administrations.”

CGC Adeniyi extended heartfelt gratitude from the Federal Government of Nigeria to all delegates and donor partners, wishing them safe travels as they return to their respective countries.

Representing the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, Ian Saunders, Mr Ebenezer Tafili underscored the importance of sustained regional cooperation in achieving meaningful customs reforms and innovation.

He reiterated the WCO’s commitment to promoting inclusive dialogue that translates into impactful projects and lasting development within the regional customs ecosystem.

“Customs connects us all—from the early brainstorming sessions to the final dance,” Tafili enthused. “Let’s continue this journey together to strengthen our administrations and drive economic development across the region.”

A key highlight of the conference was the reaffirmation of support for the Fashion of a Journey initiative – an important programme dedicated to advancing development goals among member nations through innovation, partnership, and shared best practices.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Directors-General of Customs in the region, Mr Edwin Fongod Nuvaga, Commissioner of Cameroon Customs, expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and other donor organisations for their unwavering support, which he noted has significantly enabled the success of various regional capacity-building projects.

“Over the course of the conference, we engaged in insightful discussions, collaborative sessions and project proposals that directly addressed the region’s pressing needs,” he said. “Our collective efforts reflect a shared commitment to modernisation, enhanced connectivity and sustainable economic growth.”

The conference also featured a touching moment of farewell, as delegates celebrated the retirement of a long-serving customs officer from The Gambia.

A retirement card signed with warm messages and heartfelt prayers served as a tribute to the individual’s years of meritorious service.

In his vote of thanks, Mr Mitsuru Haga, Deputy Director of the Customs and Tariff Bureau of Japan, extended deep appreciation on behalf of all donor partners.

He praised the conference’s spirit of enthusiasm, collaboration and forward-thinking, expressing optimism about the positive outcomes the deliberations would yield for the region.

The Fourth WCO-WCA Donor Conference concluded on a note of hope, unity, and renewed commitment to transforming the customs landscape across West and Central Africa.

The event firmly laid the groundwork for future collaboration, sustainable development, and stronger customs institutions capable of supporting regional economic advancement.