WTO Boss hails NCS Comptroller-General Adeniyi for trade reform achievements

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has applauded the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the Nigeria Customs Service’s remarkable efforts in trade facilitation and modernisation.

The recognition came during the opening of the 145th and 146th Sessions of the Customs Co-operation Council held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) headquarters in Brussels.

In her keynote speech, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala praised the Customs leadership for aligning Nigeria’s trade operations with international standards, citing improvements in technology deployment, border procedures, and compliance frameworks. She described the Service’s reforms as a model for other African countries, stating, “The leadership of CGC Adeniyi has positioned Nigeria as a model for customs modernisation across the continent. These efforts are critical to strengthening global trade and ensuring customs administrations contribute to economic development.”

The WTO chief also stressed the need for continuous attention to complex trade matters such as customs valuation and rules of origin, emphasising their importance for efficient trade facilitation.

Reacting to the commendation, CGC Bashir Adeniyi expressed gratitude for the recognition, calling it a motivating endorsement of the Service’s reform agenda. “We are honoured by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s kind words. Her recognition affirms that our efforts in automation, transparency, institutional capacity, and innovative leadership are well aligned with global best practices,” Adeniyi stated.

He reaffirmed Nigeria Customs’ commitment to supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and welcomed the recent partnership between the WCO and WTO, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding in January 2025. The agreement is aimed at strengthening collaboration in areas such as customs valuation, rules of origin, and trade facilitation.

Adeniyi praised WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders for his leadership in promoting synergy between both global organisations and pledged Nigeria’s continued participation in initiatives designed to enhance transparent, secure, and efficient international trade.