Wale Edun challenges NCS on reforms to unlock regional trade potential
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has called for accelerated Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) reforms across West and Central Africa to strengthen intra-African trade and enhance economic resilience.
He made the remarks at the opening of the Fourth Conference of Development Partners of the World Customs Organization for West and Central Africa (WCO-WCA) in Abuja on Wednesday morning.
Edun noted that intra-regional trade accounts for just 12per cent of the region’s total trade, despite a combined population of 450 million and a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) approaching $1 trillion.
While the NCS recorded a 90per cent year-on-year revenue increase and exceeded government targets by 20per cent, he highlighted the need to build on this 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.
He 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.
The two-day conference brings together customs leaders, donors, and trade experts to align on regional strategies for trade facilitation and economic integration.
