President Julius Maada Bio has called on West African nations to fully utilise the ECOWAS Common External Tariff as part of efforts to strengthen regional integration, protect local industries, and promote lawful trade across the sub-region.
Speaking at the 32nd Conference of Directors General of Customs of the World Customs Organization for the West and Central Africa Region in Freetown on Thursday, the President said effective customs administration remains critical to national security, economic stability, and public confidence.
Addressing delegates under the theme, “A Customs Service that Protects Society Through Its Vigilance and Commitment,” President Bio described customs institutions as the frontline of state protection and economic governance.
“Customs is not simply a checkpoint at the edge of the state; it is the frontline of the state itself,” he said, noting that customs officers play a vital role in preventing dangerous and illegal goods from entering national borders.
The President said the interception of counterfeit medicines, illegal weapons, and illicit goods directly contributes to saving lives, securing communities, and protecting economies across the region.
He warned that countries in West and Central Africa continue to face increasing threats linked to narcotics trafficking, terrorism financing, arms smuggling, counterfeit pharmaceuticals, environmental crimes, and the illegal trade in endangered species.
According to President Bio, regional governments must modernise border management systems to effectively respond to emerging transnational threats.
“We cannot confront 21st-century threats with outdated systems or outdated thinking,” he stated, stressing the importance of secure and transparent borders in supporting trade, investment, and regional stability.
The Sierra Leonean leader also underscored the need for rapid digital transformation within customs administrations, highlighting the benefits of automation, electronic single-window systems, digital payment platforms, cargo tracking technologies, and data-driven inspections.
He said embracing technology would not only accelerate legitimate trade but also reduce opportunities for corruption and criminal activities within border operations.
As current Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bio further called for stronger intelligence-sharing mechanisms and closer cooperation among member states to combat increasingly sophisticated cross-border crimes.
The conference brought together customs directors general, policymakers, and international partners to discuss strategies aimed at improving customs administration, strengthening border security, and enhancing trade facilitation across West and Central Africa.
