Nigeria’s Comptroller General of Customs Hands Over WCO Vice-Chair Role to Mali’s Customs Chief in Historic Event

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has officially handed over the Vice-Chair position of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) West and Central Africa Sub-Region to Mali’s Inspector-General of Customs, Amadou Konate. 

The historic ceremony was held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Headquarters, Abuja, marking a pivotal moment in the collaborative efforts of Customs Administrations within the region.

In his address, CGC Adeniyi underscored the vital role of the WCO’s West and Central Africa Sub-Region as a platform for Customs Administrations to exchange experiences and devise sustainable solutions to shared challenges. 

He articulated a vision of mutual support and mentorship, highlighting areas where the Nigeria Customs Service could provide assistance to the Malian Customs Administration in achieving its objectives.

“The WCO represents a global network of over 184 Customs Administrations, coordinated under an elected Secretary-General,” Adeniyi explained. “Each of the six global regions, including ours, has a Vice-Chair who supports the Secretary-General in the administrative framework.” 

He elaborated on the West African sub-region’s composition, noting that it encompasses 24 Customs Administrations from both West and Central Africa, affirming Nigeria’s integral role within this structure.

CGC Adeniyi reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to revenue generation and national budget support, aligning these efforts with the broader objectives of Customs Administrations across the region. 

He also emphasised the critical importance of trade facilitation and the role of Customs in enhancing the trade environment.

Inspector-General Konate, in his remarks, expressed deep gratitude to CGC Adeniyi and his team for their warm reception and constructive dialogue. 

He conveyed enthusiasm for fostering robust collaboration between the Malian and Nigerian Customs Services, despite differences in administrative structures. 

Konate welcomed the opportunity to benefit from Nigeria’s experience and expertise in customs management.

The event highlighted a new chapter in regional customs cooperation, setting the stage for strengthened ties and enhanced operational synergy between West and Central African Customs Administrations.