By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called for stronger collaboration and unity among Customs administrations in the West and Central Africa WCO-WCA region, emphasizing the need to prioritize shared interests over national differences.
Adeniyi made the appeal during a Cultural Night and Dinner hosted at the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, as part of the WCO-WCA Donor Conference.
The event attracted delegates, donors, and key stakeholders from across the region and served as a platform to deepen regional cooperation under the World Customs Organization framework.
The Customs boss highlighted the importance of fostering integration and solidarity among member countries.
"What unites us is far greater than what divides us.
"We must focus on these commonalities and resist the external influences that sometimes threaten our cohesion.
Adeniyi noted that beyond celebrating cultural diversity, the gathering was a reflection of the collective's will to strengthen cooperation in customs operations, regional security, and economic development.
He underscored the interdependence of Customs administrations in addressing shared challenges such as trade facilitation, anti-smuggling efforts, and revenue mobilization.
“We must cultivate a deeper spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding, he added.
The cultural evening featured traditional music, dance performances, and other artistic showcases representing the vibrant heritage of participating countries. It also provided a space for networking and fostering stronger institutional relationships.
The event was held on the sidelines of the ongoing WCO WCA Donor Conference, which continues to spotlight areas of reform, modernization, and capacity-building within the region’s Customs systems.
