The World Customs Organization – West and Central Africa (WCO-WCA) Regional Conference officially came to a close in grand style on Friday, 11 April 2025, at the Muhammadu Buhari Conference Centre in Abuja.
The five-day event marked a highly successful gathering of customs experts, donors and stakeholders from across the region, who came together to share ideas, assess progress, and shape the future of customs administration in West and Central African Region.
Delivering the closing address, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who represented the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, applauded participants for their dedication and active engagement throughout the conference.
“I know the schedule has been very intense,” he said, “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.”
He extended warm regards on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria to all delegates, wishing them safe journeys back to their respective countries.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Ebenezer Tafili, representing the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, Ian Saunders, emphasised the vital role of regional cooperation in customs reform and innovation.
He stated that all stakeholders remain committed to fostering dialogue that will lead to impactful projects and the sustainable development of customs administrations in the region. One of the key outcomes of the conference was the reaffirmation of support for the Fashion of a Journey programme—a significant initiative promoting progress across member nations.
Highlighting the unity and collaboration fostered throughout the conference, Tafili noted, “Customs connects us all—from the early brainstorming sessions to the final dance. Let’s continue this journey together to strengthen our administrations and drive economic development across the region.”
Speaking on behalf of the Directors-General of Regional Customs, Edwin Fongod Nuvaga, Commissioner of Cameroon Customs, expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and other donors for their steadfast support and international cooperation, which have enabled the successful implementation of various regional projects.
“Over the course of the conference, we engaged in insightful discussions, collaborative sessions and project proposals that directly addressed the region’s pressing needs,” he said. “Our collective efforts reflect a shared commitment to modernisation, enhanced connectivity and sustainable economic growth.”
On a lighter note, the conference paused to celebrate a retiring delegate from The Gambia. In a heartfelt moment, delegates signed a retirement card with personal messages and offered prayers in honour of the retiree’s years of dedicated service.
In his vote of thanks, Mr Mitsuru Haga, Deputy Director of the Customs and Tariff Bureau of Japan, conveyed deep appreciation on behalf of donor partners. He commended the enthusiasm, collaboration and forward-thinking approach demonstrated by all WCO-WCA delegates.
The conference concluded with a renewed sense of unity and purpose, laying a strong foundation for continued collaboration in customs modernisation and sustainable development across the West and Central Africa region.
