Driven by the World Customs Organization (WCO) theme—"Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment"—this relocation to Bafoussam is more than a geographical symbol. It embodies the State's determination to transform the customs service, often perceived as a fiscal fortress, into a proximity force, vigilant and engaged, capable of nourishing the local economy while erecting an impassable rampart against the health and security threats lurking at the nation's gates.

The stakes of this increased presence in the West Region are supported by unprecedented budgetary performance. In 2026, Cameroonian Customs is expected to reach a new milestone with collection forecasts estimated at over 1,200 billion FCFA, confirming its leading role in financing the State budget, which peaks this year at 8,816.4 billion FCFA. In Bafoussam, Louis Paul Motazé recalled that this financial windfall is only possible through a relentless fight against smuggling and fraud—plagues that not only amputate public revenue but also destroy the local industrial fabric. The Minister particularly praised the resilience of the Western troops, whose revenue jumped from 49 million in 2020 to over 913 million FCFA in 2025, testifying to an effective densification of the customs network within the hinterland.

Beyond the columns of figures, the plea in Bafoussam served as a call for the "co-production of security." For Louis Paul Motazé, the customs service of 2026 must be a listening institution, utilizing the 8044 toll-free number as a confidential link with the population to track counterfeit products and illicit trafficking. This inclusive approach aims to protect public health and the environment while fostering a serene business climate for economic operators. By insisting on exemplarity and professionalism, the Minister outlined the contours of a modern administration which, while keeping its eye fixed on the 1,243.2 billion FCFA annual targets, places humanity and the protection of society at the heart of its operational framework.

CK