Fourth WCO-WCA Donor Conference Ends in Grand Style.

Fourth WCO-WCA Donor Conference Ends in Grand Style.
… As CGC Adeniyi Urges Decisive Action for Regional Customs.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The World Customs Organization – West and Central Africa (WCO-WCA) Regional Conference officially came to an end 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.

Delivering the closing a dress , the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who represented the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Olawale Edun, applauded participants for their dedication and active engagement throughout the conference.

According to him, “I know that the schedule has been very tense, but I hope you have 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’.”

He extended warm regards on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria to all delegates, wishing them safe journey to their respective countries.

Also speaking at the occasion, Mr Ebenezer Tafili, representing the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, Ian Saunders, emphasised the important role of regional cooperation in customs reforms and innovation.

He stated that all stakeholders remain committed to fostering dialogue that will lead to impacted projects and the sustainable development of customs administration 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 nation’s.

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 Director General of Regional Customs, Edwin Fongod Nuvaga, Commissioner of Cameroon Customs, expressed appreciation to the Government of 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 proposal 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 honor of the retiree’s years of dedicated service.

In his vote if thanks, Mr Mitsuru Haga, Deputy Director of the Customs and Tariff Bureau of Japan, conveyed deep appreciation on behalf of the donors partners. He commended the enthusiasm, approach demonstrated by all WCO-WCA delegates.