The emergence of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, as the first Nigerian to chair the World Customs Organisation, is expected to boost local production, ANOZIE EGOLE writes
Since its establishment in Brussels on January 26, 1953, initially as the Customs Co-operation Council, the World Customs Organisation has evolved into a powerhouse of international cooperation and trade facilitation. Renamed in 1994, WCO now comprises 186 customs administrations from virtually all United Nations member states, as well as territories such as Kosovo and the European Union itself, collectively managing over 98 per cent of global trade. The WCO oversees the Harmonised System, a standardised naming/numbering system for traded goods used in approximately 5,000 commodity groups globally.
Its operations rely on sophisticated tools such as the Revised Kyoto Convention, the SAFE Framework, and the Customs Enforcement Network, a centralised seizures-and-offence database launched in 1999. The CEN is unique, but as of 2022, many members still submit data voluntarily, prompting the WCO to launch a Charter of Data Quantity and Quality Enhancement.
Trade facilitation is central to the WCO’s agenda, closely aligned with the World Trade Organisation’s landmark Trade Facilitation Agreement, which came into effect on February 22, 2017. The TFA aims to reduce global trade costs by an average of 14 per cent, potentially boosting global trade flows by up to $1tn per year.
One of the WCO’s key tools is the Single Window concept, where traders submit all documentation through a single digital portal. Endorsed by the WCO’s Revised Kyoto Convention and the WTO TFA (Article 10.4), this approach significantly reduces bureaucracy, enhances transparency, and lowers handling costs. Since 2022, the WCO has emphasised a shift toward a “data culture,” urging customs agencies to build robust data ecosystems. Over 100 administrations participated in the first International Survey on Customs Administration, although 30 didn’t complete it, and 21 submitted partial data.
Adeniyi’s election
When, in June, the announcement of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, as the new Chairperson of this revered organisation was made, many Nigerian maritime industry bigwigs saw his election as a round peg in a round hole.
The PUNCH reported that the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has been elected as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation, the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.
The National Public Relations Officer of the service, Abdullahi Maiwada, while announcing the election in a statement, explained that Adeniyi was elected during the 145th/146th WCO Council meeting held on Saturday at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels.
Maiwada stated that Adeniyi succeeded Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, making him the first Nigerian to hold the office since the WCO’s establishment.
This election is coming exactly two years after his historic appointment as the Customs CC by President Bola Tinubu.
Expectations
A maritime research group, the Sea Research and Empowerment Centre, explained that relying on the CGC’s policy trust of ensuring trade facilitation, it is expected that with Adeniji’s new role, he would boost global trade, which involves simplifying and streamlining customs procedures to reduce bureaucracy and increase efficiency.
In a recent bulletin signed by the Head of Research at SEREC, Mr. Eugene Nweke, it stated that as the WCO Chairperson, Adeniyi is strategically placed to advance the cause of “Made in Nigeria” goods “through the strategic positioning of the Nigeria Export Promotion Council and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council.”
“The CGC’s focus on revenue optimisation aligns with the advice to monitor and address inflationary trends, ensuring that customs policies promote economic growth and stability. His commitment to digital transformation can help support trade facilitation and foster a favourable business environment, promoting economic growth and investment. Adeniyi’s engagement with stakeholders, including businesses and industry associations, can help foster a favourable business environment and promote economic growth,” Nweke said.
According to Nweke, who is also a former National President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Adeniyi should focus on ensuring “that manufacturing and exporting sectors are flourishing, cargo throughput is increasing, and the current inflationary trends in the country are addressed.”
The seasoned freight forwarder advised that to achieve a better result, the new WCO boss should maintain a balanced approach that considers the nation’s trade and commercial environment and avoid getting carried away with media hype and focus on delivering real value to the nation.
“By doing so, the service can promote economic growth and stability. He should also consider implementing policies that simplify and streamline customs procedures, reducing bureaucracy and increasing efficiency. Foster a favourable business environment. Encourage policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and investment, while ensuring compliance with customs regulations. He should also keep a close eye on inflationary trends and adjust policies accordingly to mitigate their impact on the economy,” he advised.
He maintained that by aligning with these policy thrusts and focusing on these areas, Adeniyi can help promote economic growth, stability, and prosperity while delivering real value to the nation.
A licensed agent, Mrs. Scholar Ogui, opined that to excel in his additional international duties, Adeniyi should effectively steer the WCO, focusing on trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation.
“Balance the interests of 186 member countries, ensuring coherence in WCO activities aligned with global customs trends and modernisation goals. Build strong relationships with stakeholders, including customs administrations, governments, and international organisations, to drive collective progress,” she said.
Another agent, Mr. Johnpaul Ejiogu, advised that Adeniyi’s administration should focus on supporting “capacity-building initiatives for customs administrations, particularly in developing countries, to enhance their capabilities and compliance with global standards.”
He posited that by leveraging this position effectively, Nigeria can enhance its customs operations, promote economic growth, and increase its influence in global trade diplomacy.
“And to do this, the CGC must lead by example, as charity begins at home. He must stand tall against and boldly root out every form of operational negativity that impedes cargo operational fluidity, which stunts global imaging.”
Benefits
Stakeholders have lauded Adeniyi’s election, stressing that it is indeed one that entails an intelligent, pragmatic, and strategic thinker, adding that capping this up with his leadership at the NCS makes him an extraordinary administrator.
Nweke submitted that as the Chairperson of WCO, Nigeria can leverage this position to enhance its operations in several ways.
He advised that having a Nigerian as the WCO boss could help the country drive customs innovation that supports global supply chain resilience, promoting uniformity, modernisation, and global best practices among customs administrations.
“With Adeniyi at the helm of affairs at WCO, Nigeria can shape global customs discourse, particularly on issues like the African Continental Free Trade Area, combating illicit trade, and enhancing digital border management. As the first Nigerian to hold this position, Adeniyi can advocate for developing economies, particularly within Africa and the Global South, ensuring their concerns are addressed in global customs policymaking,” Nweke said.
Nweke, who is also a seasoned researcher, believed that his position could foster stronger international partnerships, enabling Nigeria to learn from best practices worldwide and attract foreign investment.
In his congratulatory message, the President of the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics, Mr. Frank Ogunojemite, said, “This prestigious role is a testament to your exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to enhancing global customs standards and practices. Your vast experience and profound understanding of the complexities of international trade and customs will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to the organisation. This is a remarkable achievement not only for you but also for Nigeria, as it signifies our nation’s growing influence in the global arena. As you embark on this new chapter, I am confident that your vision will guide the WCO towards innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships that benefit all member countries. Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved honour.”
Meanwhile, last week, the President of the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria, Mr. Bunmi Olamekun, while congratulating the CGC, maintained that Adeniyi’s tenure will not only improve the decision-making by the WCO but will also boost customs administration in Africa and, more importantly, Nigeria.
“We congratulate the CGC, and we are happy about its significance to our port administration and national economy. As a strategic partner of the service, we reiterate our commitment to supporting the CGC and his administration in their drive to boost international trade and cargo clearance in Nigeria,” said Olumekun, who is also the President of West African Exporters and Maritime Professionals.
A freight forwarder who simply gave his name as Herbert Obingbori opined that Adeniyi’s position can foster stronger international partnerships, enabling Nigeria to learn from best practices worldwide and attract foreign investment.
“This is a bigger opportunity for Nigeria as a country to interact better with foreign investors and boost the nation’s economy,” he said.
The Association of Registered Freight Forwarders Nigeria, in a statement jointly signed by Bala Daura and Frank Obiekezie, National President and National Secretary, respectively, described the emergence of Adeniyi as a testament to his exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to enhancing global customs standards and practices.
AREFFN noted that Adeniyi’s vast experience and profound understanding of the complexities of international trade and customs would undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to the organisation.
“This is a remarkable achievement not only for you but also for Nigeria, as it signifies our nation’s growing influence in the global arena. As you embark on this new chapter, we are confident that your vision will guide the WCO towards innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships that benefit all member countries. As he takes his new role, we are confident that his visionary leadership will continue to drive positive change and promote economic growth in the region,” AREFFN stated.
Alo speaking, the Secretary-General of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Mr. Godfrey Nwosu, believed that the election of Adeniyi marks a significant milestone for Nigeria and Africa, showcasing the continent’s increasing influence in global trade.
Conclusion
Nwosu opined that Adeniyi, through his new role, would promote dialogue among member states, improve customs practices, and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“Adeniyi’s election represents a step forward in customs administration, paving the way for a collaborative and transformative future for the WCO,” he concluded.
