The World Customs Organization (WCO) underscored the critical importance of regional collaboration in driving customs reform and innovation during the WCO-West and Central Africa Regional Conference held in Abuja, Nigeria. This five-day event served as a vital platform for customs experts, donors, and stakeholders from across the region to converge, exchange insights, evaluate progress, and chart the future trajectory of customs administration within West and Central Africa. The conference emphasized the power of collective action and shared learning in addressing the complex challenges and opportunities facing customs administrations in the region.
Ian Saunders, the Secretary-General of the WCO, reinforced the organization’s commitment to fostering dialogue and partnerships that catalyze impactful projects and sustainable development within customs administrations. He stressed the interconnectedness of customs operations and their crucial role in facilitating global trade and economic growth. This interconnectedness necessitates collaborative efforts to strengthen administrative capacities and drive regional economic development. Saunders urged continued collaboration among stakeholders to elevate customs practices and promote efficient and secure trade within the region.
Olawale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Nigeria, expressed appreciation for the participants’ dedication and active engagement throughout the conference deliberations. Represented by Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of Customs, Edun affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the recommendations emanating from the conference and to consistently supporting modernization initiatives within customs administrations. This commitment underscores the importance placed on customs reform as a lever for economic growth and development.
Edwin Fongod Nuvaga, Commissioner of Cameroon Customs, speaking on behalf of the Directors-General of Regional Customs, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and other donors for their unwavering support and commitment to international cooperation. He highlighted the vital role of these partnerships in enabling the successful implementation of diverse regional projects aimed at modernizing customs procedures and enhancing trade facilitation. Nuvaga emphasized that the insightful discussions, collaborative sessions, and project proposals addressed the region’s most pressing needs, demonstrating a shared commitment to modernization, enhanced connectivity, and sustainable economic growth.
Mitsuru Haga, the Deputy Director of the Customs and Tariff Bureau of Japan, representing the donor partners, commended the enthusiasm, collaborative spirit, and forward-thinking approach exhibited by all WCO-WCA delegates. This positive feedback underscores the conference’s success in fostering a productive environment for knowledge sharing, partnership building, and the development of innovative solutions to customs challenges. The acknowledgment of the delegates’ proactive engagement underscores the importance of collective efforts in driving meaningful progress in customs modernization.
The WCO-West and Central Africa Regional Conference concluded with a renewed sense of unity, shared purpose, and a strong foundation for sustained collaboration in customs modernization and sustainable development across the region. The conference successfully facilitated the exchange of best practices, the identification of key challenges and opportunities, and the development of strategies to enhance customs operations. This collective effort sets the stage for ongoing collaboration and reinforces the commitment to promoting efficient, secure, and transparent customs practices that contribute to regional economic prosperity. The conference outcomes underscore the vital role of customs in driving economic growth and development within West and Central Africa.
