By George Ozalla
The World Customs Organization – West and Central Africa (WCO-WCA) Regional Conference has concluded in Abuja, Nigeria, with a call for decisive action to drive regional customs modernization. The five-day event, held at the Muhammadu Buhari Conference Centre, brought together customs experts, donors, and stakeholders to share ideas, assess progress, and shape the future of customs administration in the region.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, assured delegates that recommendations from the conference would be addressed, supporting modernization programs within customs administrations. Ebenezer Tafili, representing WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders, emphasized regional cooperation’s vital role in customs reform and innovation.
The conference reaffirmed support for the “Fashion of a Journey” program, promoting progress across member nations. Delegates also expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and other donors for their support.
The conference concluded with a renewed sense of unity and purpose, laying a strong foundation for continued collaboration in customs modernization and sustainable development. In a heartfelt moment, delegates signed a retirement card with personal messages and offered prayers to honor a retiring delegate from The Gambia. Mr. Mitsuru Haga, Deputy Director of Japan’s Customs and Tariff Bureau, commended delegates’ enthusiasm and collaboration.
