By Ayomide Otitoju
Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, who also serves as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional modernisation, unity and collective growth within West and Central Africa’s Customs community.
He made the remarks at the 32nd Conference of Directors-General of Customs for the West and Central Africa (WCA) Region, held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from May 7 to 8, 2026, where he emphasised that Nigeria’s leadership is rooted in shared responsibility among member states.
Speaking at the high-level gathering, Adewale Adeniyi highlighted the region’s tradition of “rotational inclusiveness,” noting that leadership within the Customs community is shared equitably among member nations.
“This chairmanship is not mine. It belongs to the region that sent me,” he said, stressing that each time he presides, he does so on behalf of all administrations represented.
He praised the West and Central Africa region for its unity and structured rotation of leadership, describing it as a unique model that strengthens cohesion among member states.
“Our region has a quiet but powerful tradition. Every member, big or small, takes its turn,” he said, adding that the practice reinforces mutual respect and cooperation across the sub-region.
The Customs chief also commended the World Customs Organisation Secretariat for sustaining inclusive modernisation reforms and acknowledged the contributions of regional representatives in advancing West and Central Africa’s interests in global Customs policy.
The conference was declared open by Sierra Leone’s President and ECOWAS Chairman, Julius Maada Bio, who called for stronger regional collaboration in trade facilitation, border security and economic integration.
With the theme, “A Customs Service that Protects Society Through its Vigilance and Commitment,” discussions focused on digital transformation, intelligence-led enforcement and improved regional coordination to combat illicit trade.
Delegates also reviewed key reports on Customs reforms, private sector engagement, budgetary matters and audit processes, with emphasis on harmonising procedures across borders and enhancing real-time information sharing.
Digitalisation initiatives such as Single Window systems, the ECOWAS SIGMAT transit framework and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were central to deliberations, as participants agreed on the need for stronger Customs systems to support legitimate trade while curbing cross-border crimes.
The conference concluded with the election of the Central African Republic as Vice Chair of the WCA Region, succeeding Mali after completing its two-year tenure.
