The Comptroller‑General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has restated the country’s dedication to the modernisation of customs administration across West and Central Africa, even as the region converges on shared goals of trade facilitation and border security. Speaking at the 32nd Conference of Directors‑General of Customs for the West and Central Africa (WCA) Region in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from 7 to 8 May 2026, Adeniyi placed Nigeria’s role in the broader context of collective advancement, stressing that regional progress is the ultimate measure of success.
CGC Adeniyi, who also chairs the World Customs Organisation Council, highlighted the WCA region’s long tradition of inclusiveness and rotational leadership, where every member state, regardless of size, takes turns in hosting and steering the agenda. He described this rotation as a quiet but powerful culture that reinforces unity and gives all members a genuine stake in the region’s direction. “This chairmanship is not mine. It belongs to the region that sent me,” he said, underscoring that his authority is exercised on behalf of all administrations present.
The Comptroller‑General credited the WCO Secretariat and the regional members of the Policy Commission for ensuring that the West and Central Africa bloc remains visible and active in shaping global customs reforms. He also acknowledged Sierra Leone’s leadership in hosting the event, applauding the country’s hospitality and the orderly, participatory atmosphere of the conference. President Julius Maada Bio formally opened the summit, reiterating the need for stronger regional collaboration to enhance trade facilitation, border security, and deeper economic integration.
The conference adopted the theme “A Customs Service that Protects Society Through its Vigilance and Commitment,” setting the stage for discussions on digital transformation and intelligence‑driven enforcement. Sierra Leone’s Finance Minister painted customs administrations as the protective shield of the modern state, unveiling national plans to upgrade the ASYCUDA World system, deploy a Single Window Customs and Ports Community System, and introduce Product Tracing and Fiscal Integrity solutions for excisable goods.
Over two days, delegates reviewed WCO and regional reports, with a strong emphasis on harmonising customs procedures, establishing real‑time data sharing to fight illicit trade, and improving budgetary and audit practices. Single Window implementation, the ECOWAS SIGMAT transit framework, and the operational impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area emerged as central talking points. The consensus was that regional trade integration must be backed by modern, risk‑aware customs systems that protect legitimate commerce and deter abuse. The conference also saw the Central African Republic elected as the new Vice Chair of the WCA Region, following Mali’s conclusion of its two‑year term.