WTO DG Okonjo-Iweala Commends Nigeria Customs Service Modernization Efforts
By Patience Ikpeme
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has commended the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Wale Adeniyi, for the service’s significant strides in customs modernization and trade facilitation.
This international recognition was given during the opening of the 145th/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 address, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala applauded the leadership of Comptroller-General Adeniyi for the NCS’s ongoing efforts to align its operations with international trade standards.
She acknowledged the substantial progress made by the Service in deploying technology, reinforcing border procedures, and improving compliance frameworks. The WTO Director-General noted that Adeniyi’s leadership has positioned Nigeria as a model for customs modernization across the African continent, stating that these efforts are vital for strengthening global trade and ensuring customs administrations contribute meaningfully to economic development.
In a subsequent interaction, Comptroller-General Adeniyi described the recognition as a strong encouragement for the Service to maintain its reform momentum. “We are honoured by the kind words of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a global icon and an advocate for inclusive trade,” CGC Adeniyi said.
“Her recognition of our efforts is not only humbling but also energising. It confirms 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 added that as the Service modernizes its processes to enhance legitimate trade, it remains committed to rallying customs administrations across Africa to fully support the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Comptroller-General also expressed Nigeria’s support for the growing collaboration between the WCO and the WTO, which was solidified by a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2025.
This agreement provides a framework for cooperation in key areas, including customs valuation, rules of origin, and trade facilitation. CGC Adeniyi conveyed his appreciation to WCO Secretary General, Mr. Ian Saunders, for his visionary leadership and for reinforcing synergies between the global institutions. He confirmed Nigeria’s full alignment with the partnership’s objectives and its dedication to implementing reforms that support transparent, secure, and efficient trade flows.
The NCS’s statement noted that the enhanced WTO–WCO partnership will benefit developing countries like Nigeria by providing the necessary tools and policy support to modernize customs procedures and boost international competitiveness.
