The Fourth Donor Conference of the World Customs Organization for West and Central Africa (WCO-WCA) ended on a high note on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Muhammadu Buhari Conference Centre, Abuja, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to customs modernisation and sustainable development across the region.
The five-day conference brought together customs officials, donor partners, and stakeholders from across West and Central Africa to assess progress, share best practices, and strengthen regional collaboration in customs administration.
Delivering the closing address on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Olawale Edun, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, lauded delegates for their active participation and robust contributions to the conference agenda.
“I know the schedule has been very intense, 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” Adeniyi stated.
He also extended the goodwill of the Federal Government of Nigeria to all participants and wished them safe journeys back to their countries.
Representing the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, Ian Saunders, Mr. Ebenezer Tafili highlighted the essential role of regional cooperation in customs innovation and reform. He reaffirmed the WCO’s support for projects that foster sustainable development and trade facilitation.
“Customs connects us all from the early brainstorming sessions to the final dance,” Tafili stated. “Let’s continue this journey together to strengthen our administrations and drive economic development across the region.”
On behalf of regional customs leaders, Mr. Edwin Fongod Nuvaga, Commissioner of Cameroon Customs, praised donor agencies especially the Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their enduring partnership and support.
“Throughout the conference, we engaged in meaningful discussions, collaborative sessions, and project planning tailored to the region’s most pressing needs,” he said.
A notable highlight of the event was the emotional farewell to a retired customs delegate from The Gambia, who was honoured with a signed retirement card and warm wishes from fellow participants.
In a vote of thanks, Mr. Mitsuru Haga, Deputy Director of the Customs and Tariff Bureau of Japan, expressed gratitude on behalf of donor partners. He commended the enthusiasm, forward-thinking approach, and collaborative spirit demonstrated by all delegates.
The conference concluded with a renewed sense of unity and a strengthened resolve to enhance customs operations, drive innovation, and promote regional trade integration in West and Central Africa.
