At launch of Int’l Customs Day in Bafoussam: MINFI boss hails Customs’ role in fast-tracking path to emergence.

This was while launching activities to mark the celebration of 2026 International Customs Day. 

Administrative, municipal, traditional, religious authorities as well as elite, businesspersons and a cross section of the population of the Region attended the ceremony. 

The Day is celebrated annually on January 26. This year’s theme chosen by the World Customs Organisation is: “Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment”. 

Minister Motaze said the theme resonates strongly in a current context of accelerated globalisation and the multifaceted threats. 

He reminded all and sundry that the Customs is not just a revenue collection administration but an institution serving the security and well-being of citizens.

The minister sized up the theme in line with the mission of the Customs administration. He said the Customs administration protects the society in the health sector by preventing counterfeit pharmaceutical products, foodstuffs unfit for consumption, dangerous cosmetics and toxic substances from entering the country daily. 

In the domain of environment, he said customs combats the trafficking of toxic waste, importation of ozone-depleting substances and illegal trade in protected species of our fauna and flora.

The Customs, Minister Motaze added, also plays a lead role in protecting the economy against unfair practices such as smuggling and counterfeiting. 

By so doing, he said Customs defend the interests of domestic producers and preserving the integrity of the economic fabric.

In preserving the peace and stability, the minister said the Customs also helps in monitoring the flow of sensitive goods. 

The same Customs Administration, he said, collaborates with other security forces in combating arms and ammunition trafficking, and participates in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

Recommends constant vigilance 

The aforementioned missions, Motaze said, requires maximum and constant vigilance from customs officers across the national territory and a total commitment to serve with integrity and honour, to resist the temptations of corruption.

“This reminder of the responsibilities entrusted to Cameroon Customs will help you understand how deeply disturbed we were to learn of the attacks on our Customs officers in certain parts of the country following the last presidential elections in October 2025,” the minister regretted.  

He expressed delight that the situation has improved, noting that without such serene atmosphere, the Customs will be unable to meets its target of 1,200 billion FCFA for 2026 in the over 8,000 billion FCFA State budget. 

Motaze hailed commitment of customs officers during the hostile post-election crisis period. He described them as the “driving force behind the financing of our public services and the multifaceted action of the State in terms of development and the preservation of peace and security”.

While urging them stay focused in their mission, the Minister appealed to the population to provide constant support to Customs by systematically reporting suspicious smuggling activity via the tollfree number 8044.

The minister saluted the exemplary behaviour and remarkable professionalism of staff of the West Customs Sector which has recorded impressive figures in revenue generated in the last five years.

The minister also used the event to salute the collaboration and support the customs administration gets from the defence and security forces, as well as the ministries of trade, health, environment. Such support, he said, contributes to strengthening the effectiveness of the national security system. 

Enter Customs Director General

The Director General, DG, of Customs, Edwin Fongod Nuvaga, described the theme of this year’s World Customs Day as a call to strengthen vigilance and commitment.

He also indicated that the theme requires officers to live up to the legitimate expectations of citizens and intensify the daily fight against all threats to society.

Fongod Nuvaga praised the records of the West Customs Sector, under the leadership of leadership, Sadou Oumarou.

He revealed that the sector has since 2020, seen a sustained upward trend in its revenue collection performance from 49.1 million FCFA in 2020 to 913.8 million FCFA in 2025 despite challenges.

Beyond the impressive figures, Fongod praised the consistency and regularity, exemplary vigilance, unwavering commitment and resilience of customs officers. This, he added, has been seen in fighting fraud and counterfeiting in the phase of increasingly organized and sophisticated criminal networks.

Innovations in Finance Law, commitment to deliver 

Fongod said the 2026 Finance Law contains several important provisions which are part of the government's economic policy aimed at supporting the national economy, people with disabilities, the development of road infrastructure, priority sectors of public health, promoting renewable energies, the development of learning centers, and the digital economy.

He expressed the gratitude of Customs personnel to the Minister of Finance, for always having a listening ear and providing Customs with the resources required to deliver on its missions. 

The DG reaffirmed the commitment of the Customs administration to remain a reliable and effective bulwark against all threats to the society.

Fongod sounded upbeat that with the support of authorities, the collaboration of the security forces, the partnership with the private sector, and other stakeholders, Customs will meet its targets.

Speaking earlier, Bafousssam City Mayor, Roger Tafam, saluted the Minister of Finance for choosing the West Regional capital, to launch the important event. 

He also praised the collaboration that exists between the Customs service, the regional and local administrations and vouched unflinching support to State institutions in the region. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3679 of Tuesday January 20, 2026