Adeniyi champions digital customs, regional integration at 32nd WCO West, Central Africa Conference

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional Customs modernisation, digital transformation and stronger institutional collaboration across West and Central Africa.

Adeniyi made the declaration during the 32nd Conference of Directors-General of Customs for the World Customs Organization (WCO) West and Central Africa Region, held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, from May 7 to May 8, 2026.

Adeniyi

Speaking in his dual capacity as Comptroller-General of Customs and Chairperson of the WCO Council, Adeniyi said Nigeria’s leadership within the regional Customs bloc remains anchored on collective progress, shared reforms and institutional inclusiveness.

“This chairmanship is not mine; it belongs to the region that sent me,” Adeniyi told delegates at the high-level summit.

“Whenever I take the chair, I do so on behalf of every Customs administration represented here. That is the spirit in which I serve.”

He highlighted what he described as the unique culture of rotational leadership within the WCO West and Central Africa region, noting that every member nation, regardless of size or economic influence, is given equal opportunity to host and lead.

According to him, the tradition has helped sustain unity and policy cohesion across one of Africa’s most strategically important trade corridors.

“Our region has a quiet but powerful tradition. Every member takes its turn, and in passing the leadership baton, we reinforce our identity as one regional family,” he said.

The conference was officially declared open by Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, who also chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Bio called for stronger Customs cooperation to deepen trade facilitation, improve border security and strengthen regional economic integration.

Held under the theme, “A Customs Service that Protects Society Through its Vigilance and Commitment,” the conference focused heavily on digital Customs transformation, intelligence-led enforcement and trade harmonisation.

Key discussions centred on Single Window implementation, the ECOWAS SIGMAT transit framework, real-time data sharing, risk management and the operational implications of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Delegates also reviewed reports from the WCO Secretariat and the Regional Working Group on the Private Sector, with emphasis on standardising Customs procedures, improving audit systems and strengthening mechanisms to combat illicit trade and transnational crimes.

Digitalisation emerged as a dominant theme, with member states stressing the need to move from reactive enforcement to proactive intelligence-driven Customs administration.

The conference also elected the Central African Republic as the new Vice Chair of the WCO West and Central Africa Region, succeeding Mali after the completion of its two-year tenure.

Analysts say Nigeria’s active role at the summit aligns with the Customs Service’s broader automation drive, regional intelligence cooperation and efforts to position itself as a leading force in African trade governance and border management reform.