A five-day strategic immersion for Nigerian customs officials began on October 26, 2026, in Yaounde, Cameroon. The session, organized by the Directorate General of Customs, aims to build safer borders and stronger economies between Cameroon and Nigeria. The cross-border learning and experience-sharing session will run until October 30, 2026, under the theme "A Customs Administration that protects society through its vigilance and commitment".
The immersive session is part of the Africa Study Tour, being deployed simultaneously this year in Tunisia, Lesotho, Niger, and Cameroon. The Nigerian delegation, led by Happiness Ebelle, Assistant Controller of Nigeria Customs Service, was addressed by Ekolle Felix, Commander of the Special Customs Intervention Group (GSID), on behalf of the Director General of Customs Cameroon, Fongod Edwin Nuvaga.
Ekolle Felix revealed that the visit is a major academic and operational bridge, focusing on sharing operational experience in customs surveillance, cargo inspection, financial intelligence, coordinated border management, and revenue collection. The session offers thirteen trainees and four administrators from Nigeria the opportunity to dissect the organization and functioning of the Cameroonian customs administration.
The immersive session aims to seal a partnership of excellence in the fight against smuggling and other customs-related crimes. The Nigerian customs officials will learn from the Cameroonian experience in combating sophisticated smuggling and other security threats. This partnership is expected to enhance cooperation and collaboration between the customs administrations of both countries.
The Africa Study Tour is a significant initiative that promotes knowledge sharing and capacity building among customs administrations in Africa. The tour is designed to enhance the skills and competencies of customs officials in various countries, including Nigeria and Cameroon. By sharing experiences and best practices, customs officials can improve their skills in combating smuggling and other customs-related crimes.
The Cameroonian customs administration has been recognized for its efforts in combating smuggling and other security threats. The country has implemented various measures to strengthen its borders and prevent smuggling, including the use of advanced technology and intelligence gathering. The Nigerian customs officials are expected to learn from these experiences and apply them in their own country.
The five-day immersive session is expected to conclude on October 30, 2026, with a wrap-up session and a review of the key takeaways. The Nigerian customs officials are expected to return to Nigeria with new skills and knowledge that will enhance their performance in combating smuggling and other customs-related crimes. The partnership between Cameroon and Nigeria is expected to continue, with future collaborations and knowledge-sharing sessions planned.
Key points
- The immersive session aims to build safer borders and stronger economies between Cameroon and Nigeria.
- The session focuses on sharing operational experience in customs surveillance, cargo inspection, financial intelligence, coordinated border management, and revenue collection.
- The Africa Study Tour promotes knowledge sharing and capacity building among customs administrations in Africa.
