The recent appointment of Nigeria’s Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) has been widely hailed as a transformative development for global trade diplomacy and Nigeria’s customs administration. Stakeholders across the maritime, freight, and trade sectors have not only praised his elevation but also laid out key expectations for his tenure—both at home and on the international stage.
Adeniyi, the first Nigerian to head the WCO since its inception in 1953, was elected at the 145th/146th Council Meeting of the Organisation held in Brussels. His election is a milestone that aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to deepen its footprint in global trade policy. It also coincides with his second year as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), an office he assumed under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The WCO, headquartered in Brussels, comprises 186 member administrations, covering over 98% of global trade. Its tools—such as the Harmonised System, the Revised Kyoto Convention, and the Customs Enforcement Network (CEN)—form the backbone of global customs operations. Adeniyi’s new role positions Nigeria to influence these standards while advocating for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other regional trade priorities.
Several maritime industry stakeholders have welcomed Adeniyi’s appointment but have stressed the urgent need for reforms that will support Nigeria’s domestic economy. The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC), through its Head of Research, Mr. Eugene Nweke, urged Adeniyi to prioritise trade facilitation and digital transformation, with a focus on boosting Nigeria’s manufacturing and export capacity.
Nweke argued that the WCO Chairmanship should be used to strategically position agencies like the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) to drive Made-in-Nigeria goods onto global shelves. He added that Adeniyi’s data-driven and tech-savvy approach to customs operations would help reduce bureaucracy and support efficient cargo clearance across ports.
“By simplifying customs procedures, monitoring inflationary pressures, and encouraging policies that promote investment and job creation, Adeniyi can foster economic stability and growth,” Nweke said.
Johnpaul Ejiogu, a prominent freight forwarder, advocated for a stronger emphasis on capacity building for customs agencies across developing nations. He believes that Adeniyi’s position can support the training of officers, compliance upgrades, and the introduction of smart technologies to improve global customs standards.
Mrs. Scholar Ogui, another stakeholder, added that balancing the interests of all 186 WCO member countries would be crucial. She urged Adeniyi to strengthen diplomatic relations, promote transparency in cargo operations, and lead digital reforms aligned with global best practices.
The Association of Registered Freight Forwarders Nigeria (AREFFN), in a joint statement by Bala Daura and Frank Obiekezie, described Adeniyi’s emergence as a testament to Nigeria’s rising influence in the global trade ecosystem. The statement noted that his vast knowledge of customs operations and his experience in policy implementation would bring innovative energy to the WCO.
Adeniyi’s election also holds significant potential for regional cooperation. The Secretary-General of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Mr. Godfrey Nwosu, said the development showcases Africa’s growing relevance in international trade conversations.
“With Adeniyi at the helm, Nigeria can shape policy on combating illicit trade, refining digital border management, and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals. His leadership is a step forward for both Nigeria and Africa in customs diplomacy,” Nwosu stated.
President of the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics, Frank Ogunojemite, also praised the appointment, describing it as an endorsement of Nigeria’s customs leadership. He expressed confidence in Adeniyi’s ability to guide the WCO towards innovation and strategic partnerships.
The World Customs Organisation plays a critical role in standardising international customs procedures and enhancing the smooth flow of global commerce. With the implementation of tools like the Single Window system and trade digitalisation reforms under Article 10.4 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, experts believe Adeniyi is well-placed to champion modern customs administration.
His immediate priorities, stakeholders say, should include deepening Nigeria’s customs reform, addressing cargo delays, facilitating cross-border trade, and building a global image of operational efficiency.
As expectations continue to rise, the consensus among stakeholders is clear: Adeniyi’s tenure as WCO Chair offers a rare and strategic opportunity for Nigeria to shape global customs governance while implementing homegrown reforms that can reinvigorate local trade and manufacturing.