BRUSSELS, Belgium – The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has commended the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his exemplary leadership in advancing customs modernisation and trade facilitation in Africa.
Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 145th/146th sessions of the Customs Co‑operation Council at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) headquarters in Brussels on Thursday, June 26, 2025, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala lauded the “significant progress” made by the NCS under Adeniyi’s leadership in deploying advanced technology, enhancing border procedures, and strengthening compliance frameworks .
She added:
“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 that customs administrations contribute meaningfully to economic development.”
Responding during a brief side meeting, CGC Adeniyi expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that it serves as strong motivation to sustain the reform momentum. He affirmed that these reforms, centred on automation, institutional transparency, and innovative leadership, are well aligned with international best practices .
Adeniyi further emphasised Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and strengthening the WTO–WCO partnership, bolstered by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2025. The MoU provides a framework for cooperation in critical areas such as customs valuation, rules of origin, and trade facilitation .
The ceremony provided an opportunity to showcase Nigeria Customs Service’s transformation journey, marked by improved border security, innovative cargo-processing systems, and adherence to global standards, as a blueprint for other developing nations seeking to streamline trade and combat illicit trafficking.