Edun Calls for Swift Customs Reforms to Enhance Intra-African Trade
Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Wale Edun, has called for accelerated customs reforms across West and Central Africa to boost regional trade and economic resilience.
Speaking at the Fourth Conference of Development Partners of the World Customs Organization for West and Central Africa held in Abuja, Edun emphasized the need for deeper structural reforms to unlock the region’s vast economic potential.
He noted that intra-regional trade accounts for just 12% of the region’s total trade, despite a combined population of 450 million and a GDP approaching $1 trillion.
According to him, the Nigerian Customs Service recorded a 90% year-on-year revenue increase and exceeded government targets by 20%, he therefore stressed the need to build on the momentum through deeper structural reforms.
The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to modernisation, citing the forthcoming Single Window Project expected in early 2026, and urged broader adoption of World Customs Organization instruments such as the Authorised Economic Operators programme and the Advanced Ruling system.
Edun also emphasised the importance of donor coordination and long-term technical assistance to support sustainable reform.
Many of the initiatives, he noted, are supported by concessional World Bank loans already reflected in the national budget and borrowing plan.
As the region moves forward, one thing is clear: accelerated customs reform is a critical step towards unlocking West Africa’s vast economic potential. With the right policies and partnerships in place, the region can unlock new opportunities for growth, trade, and economic resilience.
The two-day conference brought together customs leaders, donors, and trade experts to align on regional strategies for enhancing trade facilitation and economic integration.
