- As Finance Minister commends NCS on revenue
From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called for unity and collaboration among Customs administrations within the West and Central Africa (WCO-WCA) region.
Adeniyi made the call in Abuja, during the WCO-WCA Donor Conference Cultural Night-Out and Dinner, at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, where he stressed that shared values and common goals must outweigh the differences that separate member nations.
The event which was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships under the auspices of the World Customs Organization’s West and Central Africa bloc, brought together delegates, donors, and stakeholders from across the region.
In his opening remarks, the CGC emphasized that, “What unite us are more important than what separate us.
Therefore, it has become very important, and indeed an obligation, for us to begin to dwell more on those things that bring us together rather than those few issues—sometimes orchestrated from outside our region—that divide us.”
Adeniyi disclosed that the gathering was not just about cultural celebration, but a reinforcement of the spirit of integration that should characterize customs operations, security cooperation, and economic growth efforts in the region.
He noted that Customs services across the region have shared challenges and interdependent roles in trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and revenue generation, underscoring the necessity of mutual cooperation.
“We should develop a stronger spirit of cooperation, collaboration and understanding,” Adeniyi said.
The event also featured cultural displays, musical performances, and networking opportunities, all aimed at showcasing the rich heritage of participating nations while fostering stronger interpersonal and institutional ties.
The cultural night was held on the sidelines of the WCO-WCA Donor Conference, which continues to highlight key areas of reform, modernization, and technical assistance in Customs operations across the region.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and coordinating minister of Economy, Wale Edun, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service for surpassing it’s revenue target by 20 percent.
The Minister who described the performance as outstanding said Customs had achieved a 90 percent increase in revenue collection.
Edun gave the commendations at the 4th World Customs Organization (WCO-) Donors Conference for the West and Central Africa (WCA) region.
“I am proud to commend the Nigeria Customs Service for it’s remarkable performance- achieving a 90 percent increase in revenue collection and surpassing it’s target by 20 percent.
“These achievements, driven by modernised processes and WACO- supported initiatives, illustrate how strategic investments and technology can revolutionise trade and strengthen regional integration.”
The conference brought together distinguished delegates, including Ebenezer Tafili, representing the Secretary General of the WCO; Amadou Konaté, Vice-Chair of WCO-WCA and Director-General of Mali Customs; Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency; along with several heads of customs, donor agencies, Nigeria owned Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) Limited, diplomatic representatives, and industry stakeholders.