On September 13th, 2024, the Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze, presided over the graduation ceremony of Category C Customs officers and custom clearing agents at the Customs Instruction Center in Yaoundé. Accompanied by his colleagues, Joseph Le, Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, and Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Minister of Employment and Professional Training, Motaze oversaw the graduation of 455 customs officers, including assistant controllers and custom brigadiers, as well as the first cohort of custom clearing agents.
Commitment to Fighting Economic Ills
In his address, Minister Motaze emphasized the importance of these new recruits in combating issues such as fraud, contraband, and illicit trade, which undermine the economy. He reminded the graduates of the significant financial investments made in their training during a period of economic recession. “Your total commitment to the state, with self-sacrifice, loyalty, and patriotism, is the only way to justify these efforts,” Motaze stated, urging them to safeguard public funds and uphold the highest standards in their service.
Professionalization and Job Creation
Motaze also highlighted the importance of professionalizing the customs sector while creating new job opportunities. He noted that with well-trained partners like the graduates, the government can effectively carry out its mission and meet its objectives. The custom brigadiers completed four months of training, split between Koutaba Airborne Battalion and the Customs Instruction Center, while the custom clearing agents underwent nine months of training, including a three-month internship in enterprises.
Now equipped with certificates, these 455 graduates are prepared to enter the workforce, either securing employment or working independently.
