WTO Director-General Applauds CGC Adeniyi’s Leadership at WCO Council Session in Brussels
…Hails Nigeria Customs for Driving Modernisation and Trade Facilitation in Africa
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has lauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its outstanding efforts in modernising customs operations and promoting trade facilitation across Africa.
The commendation was delivered during the opening of the 145th and 146th Sessions of the Customs Co-operation Council, held at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Headquarters in Brussels.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala praised the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for steering the NCS towards alignment with global trade standards.
According to the WTO chief, the achievements of the NCS under CGC Adeniyi include the deployment of cutting-edge technology, improvements in compliance mechanisms, and the strengthening of border procedures—initiatives she described as exemplary in the African context.
“The leadership of CGC Adeniyi has positioned Nigeria as a model for customs modernisation across the continent,” Dr. Okonjo-Iweala stated. “These efforts are critical to strengthening global trade and ensuring that customs administrations contribute meaningfully to economic development.”
She also underscored the importance of tackling technical customs challenges such as rules of origin and customs valuation, noting that resolving these issues remains central to enhancing global trade efficiency.
In a side interaction following her remarks, CGC Adeniyi expressed appreciation for the recognition, calling it a significant morale booster for the Service.
“We are honoured by the kind words of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a global icon and an advocate for inclusive trade,” he said. “Her recognition of our efforts is not only humbling but also energising. It affirms that the reforms we have embarked upon – particularly in areas of automation, transparency, institutional capacity, and innovative leadership – are well aligned with global best practices.”
He reiterated the Service’s commitment to modernising its operations and supporting regional integration efforts such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“As we modernise our processes and embrace smarter solutions to enhance legitimate trade facilitation, we are also committed to rallying Customs administrations across Africa to fully support the objectives of AfCFTA,” CGC Adeniyi added.
Further highlighting the significance of institutional collaboration, the Customs boss expressed strong support for the growing partnership between the WCO and WTO, which was formally reinforced with a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2025.
“We commend WCO Secretary General, Mr. Ian Saunders, for his visionary leadership and for reinforcing synergies between our global institutions,” Adeniyi stated. “Nigeria is fully aligned with the objectives of this partnership and remains committed to implementing reforms that support transparent, secure, and efficient trade flows.”
The NCS noted that the enhanced cooperation between the WTO and WCO is especially beneficial to developing countries like Nigeria, offering access to technical support, tools, and policy guidance that can help improve customs procedures and elevate competitiveness on the global stage.
