The fourth edition of the World Customs Organization – West and Central Africa (WCO-WCA) Donor Conference came to a close in grand style on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Muhammadu Buhari Conference Centre, Abuja, after five days of high-level deliberations, knowledge sharing, and regional cooperation.

The event, which brought together customs administrators, donors, and stakeholders from across the West and Central Africa region, served as a vital platform to assess ongoing reforms and chart a progressive course for customs development.

In his closing remarks, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, who represented the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, commended participants for their dedication throughout the conference.

“I assure you that the recommendations made during this conference will be addressed as we continue to support modernisation programmes within our customs administrations,” Adeniyi said, while also encouraging delegates to take home not only ideas but also fond memories of Nigeria’s hospitality and rich culture.

Representing the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, Ian Saunders, Mr. Ebenezer Tafili stressed the importance of regional cooperation in customs innovation. He reaffirmed stakeholders’ commitment to dialogue and impactful projects, particularly highlighting support for the “Fashion of a Journey” programme, which champions cross-border development among member nations.

Edwin Fongod Nuvaga, Commissioner of Cameroon Customs, speaking on behalf of Regional Directors-General, expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and other international donors for their continued backing of regional initiatives. He lauded the collaborative sessions and proposals focused on enhancing connectivity, modernisation, and economic growth.

In a touching moment, the conference paused to honour a retiring delegate from The Gambia. Delegates signed a retirement card and offered prayers, marking years of dedicated service with warmth and gratitude.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Mitsuru Haga, Deputy Director of Japan’s Customs and Tariff Bureau, praised the conference’s spirit of enthusiasm and strategic thinking. He conveyed the appreciation of donor partners for the collective commitment to advancing customs administration in the region.

The conference concluded with a strong sense of unity and determination, reinforcing shared goals for customs transformation and sustainable development across West and Central Africa.