Benchmarking: Nigerian Customs Strengthen Strategic Capabilities in Yaoundé
In response to evolving security threats and increasingly sophisticated smuggling networks, Cameroon and Nigeria are joining forces. On Monday, October 26, 2026, the Cameroon Customs Administration welcomed a delegation from the Nigeria Customs Service Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, launching a five-day strategic immersion program focused on societal protection and shared security.
The atmosphere was solemn on Monday morning, october 26, 2026 in the conference hall of the Directorate General of Customs Annex in Tsinga (Yaounde). Representing the Director General of Customs, Commander EKOLLE Félix, Head of the Special Customs Intervention Unit (GSID), officially opened this major continental study visit.
Titled “A Customs Administration that Protects Society through Vigilance and Commitment,” the learning and experience-sharing session runs from October 26 to 30, 2026, as part of the prestigious Africa Study Tour. This elite program is simultaneously being conducted in four key African countries this year: Tunisia, Lesotho, Niger, and Cameroon.
Welcoming the Nigerian delegation, led by Happiness EBELLE, Assistant Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Commander EKOLLE Félix highlighted the deep ties uniting the two regional powers of Central and West Africa. Beyond geographical proximity, Cameroon and Nigeria share a common vision for border governance. “This visit represents a major academic and operational bridge,” emphasized the GSID Commander.
Read more : Cross-Border Trade: Cameroon, Nigeria, and Benin Push for Seamless Customs Integration
The program offers thirteen Nigerian trainees and four administrators the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the organization and operations of Cameroon’s customs administration while strengthening a partnership aimed at combating organized cross-border crime.
A Strategic Toolkit to Address Modern Challenges
Against a backdrop of increasingly complex security threats, the flagship academic institution of the Nigerian Customs Service, renowned for training senior officers, has come to Yaoundé in search of practical insights and best practices.
Over the next five days, Cameroonian experts will deliver high-level modules covering some of the most pressing technical and strategic issues, including : The integration of customs within the national defense and security framework ; lessons learned from Operation HALCOMI (in french Halte au Commerce Illicite) ; Customs operations monitoring, cargo scanning, and the SPC++ Program ; Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing strategies ; and real-time data exchange, coordinated border management, and revenue optimization.
Far from remaining confined to the meeting room in Tsinga, the Nigerian participants will also assess Cameroon’s operational capabilities through extensive field visits.
Read more : Nigéria : Saisie de marchandises illicites d’une valeur de 3,951 milliards de Naïras
Their agenda includes strategic immersions at the Customs Directorate General’s monitoring center, the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), and the Customs Investigation and Surveillance Division. Training visits are also planned at the Customs Training Center and the prestigious International School of Security Forces (EIFORCES).
In addition, participants will explore the realities of the global logistics chain through visits to industry leaders Africa Global Logistics (AGL) and DHL, along with a diplomatic stop at the Nigerian High Commission.
This platform for mutual learning and cooperation will conclude on Friday, October 30, 2026, with a general restitution session, a cultural excursion, and a gala dinner hosted by the Minister of Finance of Cameroon. The closing events are expected to further strengthen the customs partnership between Yaoundé and Abuja, contributing to safer borders and stronger economies across the region.
