Customs CG Urges Unity Among WCO-WCA Member Administrations
Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called for deeper unity and collaboration among Customs administrations within the West and Central Africa (WCO-WCA) region.
He stressed that shared values and common goals must outweigh the differences that separate member nations.
Adeniyi made the appeal during the WCO-WCA Donor Conference Cultural Night-Out and Dinner, on Thursday, at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The event, which brought together delegates, donors, and stakeholders from across the region, was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships under the auspices of the World Customs Organization’s West and Central Africa bloc.
Speaking at the high-profile cultural gathering, the Customs CG emphasized that, “What unite us are more important than what separate us.
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“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.
