The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to Customs modernisation and digital trade reforms across West and Central Africa, stressing that stronger regional cooperation is vital to combating illicit trade and boosting economic integration.
Speaking at the 32nd Conference of Directors General of Customs in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Adeniyi said Nigeria’s leadership within the World Customs Organization was driven by collective regional progress rather than national interest. He described the region as a model of unity where leadership rotates among member states regardless of size or economic strength.
The two-day summit, themed “A Customs Service that Protects Society Through its Vigilance and Commitment,” focused on digital transformation, intelligence-led border protection and harmonised Customs operations across Africa.
Delegates called for coordinated implementation of Single Window systems, improved transit verification through the ECOWAS SIGMAT framework and stronger data-sharing mechanisms to tackle smuggling, transnational crime and revenue leakages.
Adeniyi also commended the WCO leadership for promoting an inclusive modernisation agenda that keeps African Customs administrations actively involved in global trade reforms.
The conference was officially opened by the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, who urged deeper regional cooperation to strengthen trade facilitation, border security and economic integration.
Sierra Leone also unveiled plans to modernise its Customs system through upgrades to ASYCUDA World, the deployment of a Single Window Customs and Ports Community System and new product-tracing solutions for excisable goods.
Participants agreed that while the African Continental Free Trade Area presents major opportunities for regional commerce, stronger border controls and modern Customs systems remain essential to prevent criminal exploitation of trade corridors.
The conference ended with the election of the Central African Republic as the new Vice-Chair of the WCO West and Central Africa Region, succeeding Mali after the completion of its two-year tenure.