Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – Burkina Faso’s customs administration honored its top performers this week, recognizing both individual excellence and the agency’s overall success in revenue collection and combating illicit trade. The awards ceremony, held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, followed 48 hours of events celebrating International Customs Day.
Patrice Bado, a controller with the Ouaga Route Customs Office, was named Customs Officer of the Year 2025. The recognition highlights his “exemplary professional journey, marked by rigor, constant commitment, and significant contribution to the effectiveness of customs action,” according to officials. Bado received the award during a gala celebrating the International Customs Day 2026, which focused on the theme of “A customs administration that protects society through its vigilance and commitment.”
The celebrations also acknowledged the work of numerous other customs agents, with over 100 workers and retirees receiving certificates of recognition and awards. Prizes were awarded in categories including revenue collection units, customs posts, and anti-smuggling brigades. The honors reflect the Burkinabe customs agency’s efforts to improve efficiency and accountability.
In related news, authorities recently incinerated over 12 million CFA francs worth of contraband, including 923 kilograms of drugs, in Tenkodogo. 118,806 tablets of prohibited medications were seized by customs officials. These actions demonstrate a strengthened commitment to combating illicit trafficking within the country.
The customs administration also reported a revenue collection rate of 98.23% for 2025. Minister of Economy Dr. Aboubakar Nacanabo emphasized the importance of recognizing achievements, stating that the Officer of the Year award “is a responsibility for the laureate, as it is an invitation to redouble efforts, beyond a well-deserved recognition.” He further urged all customs officials to emulate Bado’s example, positioning the administration as a leading institution.
Pascal Bado was also recognized as the best “gabelou” – a traditional term for a customs officer – of the year 2025. The development underscores the Burkinabe government’s focus on strengthening border security and revenue collection in a challenging regional environment.
