WTO, DG Lauds NCS’s Adeniyi for Exceptional Leadership
World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala lauds Nigeria Customs Service for outstanding modernization and trade facilitation efforts.
Okonjo-Iweala made the commendation during the 145th/146th Sessions of the Customs Co-operation Council at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels. She praised Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi’s leadership at the Nigeria Customs Service for aligning its operations with global trade standards.
She acknowledged the NCS’ significant progress in deploying technology, strengthening border procedures, and improving compliance frameworks, stating that Adeniyi’s leadership “has positioned Nigeria as a model for customs modernisation across the continent.”
According to her, “these efforts are critical to strengthening global trade and ensuring that customs administrations contribute meaningfully to economic development.”
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the need to address complex customs issues like rules of origin and valuation, stressing their importance for effective trade facilitation.
Comptroller-General Adeniyi responded, saying the WTO chief’s commendation motivates the NCS to continue its reform efforts.
“We are honoured by the kind words of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a global icon and an advocate for inclusive trade,” Adeniyi 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.
“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.”
Adeniyi welcomed the increasing collaboration between the WCO and WTO, particularly following the January 2025 MoU, which outlines cooperation in critical areas like customs valuation, rules of origin, and trade facilitation.
Adeniyi further commended WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, for his visionary leadership and for reinforcing synergies between global institutions.
According to him, “Nigeria is fully aligned with the objectives of this partnership and remains committed to implementing reforms that support transparent, secure and efficient trade flows.”
He emphasised that the enhanced WTO–WCO partnership would benefit developing countries like Nigeria by providing the tools and policy support needed to modernise customs procedures to boost international competitiveness.
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