The World Customs Organization (WCO) Chairman, who doubles as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed optimism about the Nigeria’s trade outlook, predicting a strong finish to 2025.
This positive forecast comes despite ongoing economic uncertainties and disruptions to global supply chains.
According to Adeniyi several factors are expected to contribute to this strong finish.
These include the continued growth of international trade, the increasing adoption of digital technologies to facilitate customs procedures, and the ongoing efforts to enhance global supply chain security.
The CGC believe that Nigeria’s projected trade volume for 2025 is expected to be significant, considering the fact that the country’s total trade value reached ₦36.02 trillion in the first quarter of 2025. This, according to him, represents a 6.19% increase from the same period in 2024.
Some of the key trade Indicators are the ₦36.02 trillion achieved in first quarter 2025, while the total trade surplus rose to ₦5.17 trillion in Q1 2025, marking a 51.07% increase from Q4 2024.
The nation’s growth in non-oio export rose by 64.65% to ₦1.70 trillion, while raw material exports increased by 196.12% to ₦1.04 trillion
Industry watchers believe that the estimate projected trade volume for 2025, can be extrapolate based on the first quarter’s performance.
The strong finish at close of the last quarter of 2025 predicted by the CGC, according to Eugene Nweke, Founder Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) is because Adeniyi, since his appointment as the WCO Chairman, has been actively working to support member nations in their efforts to modernize and streamline customs procedures.
He revealed that WCO, under Adeniyi, has introduced new initiatives, such as the WCO Capacity-Building Paradigm, aimed at strengthening Customs-to-business collaboration and enhancing the efficiency of customs operations.
“Additionally, the WCO, under the watch of the CGC, has kick-started the promotion of the SAFE Framework of Standards, which provides a set of standards and guidelines for enhancing supply chain security and facilitating trade.
“The organization has also been working closely with its members to implement the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which aims to reduce trade costs and increase the efficiency of international trade.
While the WCO Chair’s prediction for a strong finish to 2025 is encouraging, it is essential to note that the global economic outlook remains uncertain. The Wold Trade Organization (WTO) has revised its trade growth forecast for 2025 downward, citing ongoing trade tensions and disruptions to global supply chains.
Despite these challenges, the WCO remains committed to supporting its members in their efforts to facilitate international trade and enhance global supply chain security. As the organization continues to work towards its goals, its efforts are expected to contribute to a strong finish to 2025.
Adeniyi as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, is both historic and timely. As the first Nigerian to assume this position, his emergence signals a growing recognition of Nigeria’s strategic importance in global trade and customs administration. It also underscores the increasing competence of Nigerian technocrats on the world stage.
Adeniyi assumed office as the Comptroller-General in June 2023, and in just over a year, he has repositioned the Customs Service for efficiency, accountability, and reform.
His tenure has been defined by sweeping digital transformation, transparency in operations, and increased international cooperation. His latest appointment came during the 141st /142nd sessions of the WCO Council in Brussels, Belgium, on June 22, 2024.
At a time when many African institutions are battling credibility issues, Adeniyi’s elevation sends a message that Nigerian institutions, when led by capable hands, can perform excellently and gain global recognition. His career within the NCS, spanning over three decades, includes his outstanding service as the pioneer National Public Relations Officer, where he transformed customs communication, built bridges with the media, and promoted accountability.
Under his leadership as CG, the NCS strengthened border security, introduced innovative trade facilitation systems, and aligned more closely with international trade protocols. The modernization of customs operations and the enforcement of smarter anti-smuggling strategies reflect his reformist agenda.
The WCO appointment comes with responsibility. With 186 member nations looking to the Council for direction in the face of global trade disruptions, Adeniyi must provide balanced leadership. Issues such as supply chain transparency, illicit trade, and customs cooperation in conflict zones demand urgent attention.
Nigeria stands to benefit greatly.
Adeniyi’s position gives the country a front-row seat in setting customs and trade policies, especially within Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It also strengthens Nigeria’s hand in negotiating cross-border trade agreements and improving regional customs integration.
This appointment should serve as a call to Nigerian institutions and policymakers to invest in leadership development and professional capacity. It is also a moment to celebrate the credibility of the Nigeria Customs Service under Adeniyi’s guidance and to expect greater innovation at home.
Ultimately, Adeniyi’s WCO chairmanship is not just a personal accomplishment, but a reflection of Nigeria’s potential to lead in global affairs, when merit, experience, and vision are given a chance to thrive.
Nigeria Customs Service under Adewale Adeniyi in 365 Days: Living Out the Renewed Hope Agenda
President Bola Tinubu renewed hope agenda has continued to yield positive results in the last one year , following some of the appointments he made in repositioning the nation’s economy.
Notably among these appointments is the engagement by Mr. Adewale Adeniyi as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
On the 19th of June 2023,President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, approved the appointment of Adewale Adeniyi (MFR) as Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service .
Though the Nigeria president in October 2023 approved the confirmation of the appointment of Adeniyi as the CGC four months after he was called upon to lead the Customs Service.
Recall that the CGC was conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by Former President Muhammadu Buhari on October 11, 2022 for his rejection of dollar bribe.
The appointment of Mr. Adeniyi by President Tinubu has continued to receive accolades by stakeholders from the maritime industry , even as players from the sector , described the confirmation as putting a square peg in a square hole.
When he formally assumed office as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on June 25, 2023, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi promised to turn around the fortunes of the service. 365 days after, it is clear even to cynics that Adeniyi has transformed the Nigeria Customs Service.
REFORMS / TRADE FACILITATION
Primarily, as part of his efforts to hit the ground running, the Customs top brass continuously has repositioned operational activities of service which was almost crippled by previous administration.
Upon his appointment as Comptroller General of Customs, he disclosed his policy thrust which was hinged on – Consolidation , Collaboration and Innovation ( CCI) which has so far been seen to be his guiding principles toward ensuring effective leadership and management of the service.
In what stakeholders in the trading and port communities described as unbelievable was the sudden dissolution of existing strike force team that constitutes multiple layers of enforcement into the recognized structure of the Federal Operations Units (FOU) .
This was done to reduce multiple checkpoints from about five units of the checks at every stretch to two comprising the command or the unit.
Against the backdrop of the dissolved customs strike force along major highways across the six geo-political zones; a cross section of shippers , freight agents, customs brokers and truck owners expressed satisfaction for the CG’s directive saying that the decision aligns perfectly with seamless port operations devoid of bottlenecks in cargo clearance.
Adeniyi also introduced The Revenue Review Recovery Team with primary role to identify operational inefficiencies, human errors, and fraud. The team was also mandated to focus on recovering lost or uncollected revenues due to these factors, ensuring compliance with customs regulations, laws, and procedures.
The team was also charged to ensure that all available income streams are collected and documented, adhering to the relevant customs regulations and laws.
A truck owner, Comrade Adeyinka Aroyewun, whilst commending the Comptroller General’s decision in desolving the task force noted that, “The Comptroller General has demonstrated a commendable understanding of the challenges faced by the industry and displayed a firm commitment to addressing them in a proactive and effective manner.
He added, “We believe that this decision will have a significant positive impact on all stakeholders in the maritime industry and the general public and will contribute to the overall development and well-being of our Nation.
“The thoroughness and transparency displayed throughout the decision-making process are praiseworthy. The Comptroller General’s commitment to gathering input from various stakeholders, conducting rigorous research, and considering diverse perspectives reflects a strong determination to make informed and inclusive choices that reflect the best interests of the nation.
“This transparency fosters trust and confidence in the controller General’s work and demonstrates a sincere commitment to accountability.”
Categorically, the service under his watch recently, launched the “Advance Ruling System” aimed at boosting trade facilitation which was also supported by Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).
Aiming to promote trade facilitation and boost revenue drive for the service, the Advance Ruling System is a critical mechanism that allows traders obtain binding decision from Customs administrations on classification, origin and valuation of goods before importation.
The CGC ,who recognized the significance of the project, as it aligns with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and World Trade Organisation (WTO) respectively, reiterated the relevance in facilitating both domestic and international trade, while also promoting customs compliance.
Toward sustaining a robust engagement with the trading community, Adeniyi reintroduced the CG Conference which was halted by previous administrations for a period of twelve years.
The conference which held in December of 2023, was highly appreciated by stakeholders because according to them, the gathering of players from various industries hit the bull eyes toward resolving some the issues bothering on trade.
A cross section of stakeholders while reacting on the sensitization cum interactive conference, expressed optimism that the appointment of Adeniyi is a clear indication that the service has what it takes to resolve the challenges affecting trade.
Sir John Oforbike , a chieftain of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), described CGC Adeniyi as a thorough-breed officer who has risen from the ranks to where he is today.
The ANLCA stalwart stressed that “You know this CG is a thorough-breed officer, well-learned and well-traveled. He’s a seasoned customs officer who has risen from the ranks to where he is today.
“The Customs annual conference is a way to interact with the stakeholders and sensitize the general public about customs procedures and what is taking place from January to December as well as what they expect from the stakeholders. It is a very good idea to revive the CG conference. The CG conference will bring customs closer to the people. The revenue officers are supposed to be close to the people they are collecting revenue from.
“One of the importance of the conference is that there is a new Customs Act which the customs have not come up with to tell people the contents. There is supposed to be general education on the content of the Act. So the CG conference will enhance relationships with the stakeholders.
“The CG conference will educate stakeholders on the development of modern procedures. The CG conference will enhance custom revenue and it will also enhance knowledge of the practitioners. I think the CG conference is everything about development.
Igwe Kingsley , General Secretary, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) said :”We want to see reforms because of the situation in the industry nowadays. So with the conference , I think we want to hear that the CG has plans to minimize some of the bottlenecks caused by customs operations, and how this regime can improve efficiency of the custom services.
“Then, apart from that, we are in an era where there is high competition in the region, especially in the advent of African Continental Free Trade Area. How is customs actually strategizing to improve efficiency and make our ports competitive? I hope that these issues and more will be addressed at the conference.
Similarly, in a bid to proffering the needed reforms via his appointment as the Customs Boss, he facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Nigeria Customs and the Re-public of Benin Customs, aiming to eliminate barriers to legitimate trade in line with the ECOWAS trade liberalization scheme.
The Service under his watch, was in the forefront of the unveiling the Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) programme designed to strengthen international trade.
The concept of AEOs first gained traction within the World Customs Organization WCO framework in response to the post 9/11 security concerns and the subsequent need for heightened trade security measures. Established in 2005, the WCO ‘s safe framework of standards, introduced the concept of AEO programme focused on security measures,such as background checks , physical security and risk management protocols.
Adeniyi at a stakeholders meeting asserted that the implementation of AEO would foster collaboration between the service, Other Government Agencies (OGAs) and experts .
CAPACITY BUILDING
The Nigeria Customs Service under Adewale Adeniyi administration in one year has approved the retraining of about 348 officers drawn from various service zones for capacity development to upscale their service delivery. The CG and his management team recommended to the board for the upgrading of inspectors of customs to the rank of Assistant Superintendent after fulfilling the requisite criteria. The training involved all customs procedures, processes, laws, arms training, arms drills with class room work and other field activities.
On the international front vis-a-vis training and upskilling of personnel ,the CGC also flagged off 3 days revised Kyoto Convention Workshop, where over 32 delegates from West and Central Africa, East and South Africa region acquired requisite knowledge on various treaties associated with global trade.
At the workshop held in Abuja , Technical Staff of WCO Secretariat,Phuntsho Dorji applauded the CGC for hosting the participants even as he urged the Customs boss to use the workshop to unite representatives of countries present at the capacity building programme.
HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTIONS
Worried with the economic hardship in the country , coupled with the high rate inflation, the Customs top brass provided succour for Nigerians across the six geo-political zones of the country..
With the high cost of food items in the Nigerian markets , the service was able to subsidize the sales of rice. CGC directed personnel of customs formations and units to sell the bags of rice at a paltry N10,000 which ordinarily was sold at N55,000 in local markets
This fete drew the attention of Nigerians mostly artisans, traders , widows, less privileged individuals to visit commands of the Nigeria Customs Service to get 50kg of rice for N10,000.
This came a few hours after the service announced that it would commence the distribution of the seized food items on Friday 24 Feb 2024.
Seized goods were also distributed to the needy across the federation , courtesy the initiative of the CGC in furtherance to providing palliatives for those in need.
INTER AGENCY COLLABORATION
The synergy among government agencies have recorded a collaborative spirit, a robust and unbroken chain with each linked supporting the other with a shared responsibility to maintain. Together they work with a shared commitment to norm inter sharing , resource pooling and expertise combined.
Across the international frontiers , the Adeniyi led customs management team was in the lead to ensuring inter agencies collaboration. In the realm of border management, where duties converge, the customs service leads , with a shared purpose to emerge. Inter agency collaboration with immigration, NDLEA, Police , Army,Navy ,Air Force, Quarantine , DSS etc .
From land air and sea coupled with the cyber space , Adewale Adeniyi management has engaged security agencies aforementioned on better ways to promote joint operations to forge a safer, more, prosperous Nigeria where all can thrive.
In the collaborative spirit among government agencies, seized hard and illicit drugs from the seaports, land borders, airports and waterways by customs operatives are officially handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), while foreign currencies intercepted were delivered to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC)
Primarily, similar seizures like food items, wildlife, camouflages, tyres etc get to the agencies responsible for scrutiny or investigation.
To further police the international frontiers effectively, under his watch , the service joined force with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to train officers on the importance of collaboration in enhancing performance and ensuring smooth operations.
Amidst other strategic collaborative efforts, the service also took steps to further deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Navy to maintain its presence in the nation’s territorial waters against smuggling. Part of the achievements in the engagement with Navy centred on maintenance of the customs seagoing vessels e g Group of Nine and Customs Pride.
The CGC stressed that fortifying the NCS presence in nation’s coastal water will reduce smuggling to the barest minimum.
WELFARE PACKAGE
Promotion as when due in the last one year under Adewale Adeniyi management remains the order of the day as personnel are promoted based on merit.
Devoid of bias and witch hunting of staff, officers promotion to the next level are legitimately carried out under CGC Adeniyi.
The Nigeria Customs Service Board, chaired by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, confirmed the appointment of two Assistant Comptrollers-General and the promotion of 2,209 senior officers in 2023.
Retirees from the service are not left behind in the welfare drive of customs under the Adeniyi administration, who reassured the senior citizens of comprehensive measures to elevate their welfare with plans to integrate them into the Nigeria Customs Service Healthcare project . Adeniyi disclosed ongoing discussion with the Minister of Finance to champion a bill establishing a dedicated pension scheme, adding that the strategic initiative reflects foresight in securing the financial future of leaders within service
OVERTIME CARGO EVACUATION
The Comptroller -General of Customs in 2023 convened a meeting with stakeholders to address the urgent need for the evacuation of overtime cargoes at the ports.
This move was part of efforts to decongest the nation’s seaports. Additionally, the CGC reiterated implementation of 48 hours clearance process of customs to facilitate trade.
Apparently, in a bid to expedite the decongestion of overcrowded port which are burdened with excess of overtime cargo, the CGC officially launched a committee on Disposal of Overtime Cargo on 8, November 2023 in Abuja.
This development arose in response to the new Customs Acts to dispose of containers that have exceeded their allotted time within the ports.
Adeniyi stated that alleviating port congestion stands as a paramount objective for the NCS, as well as President Ahmed Tinubu, offering the promise to heightened efficiency and enhanced trade facilitation.
However, the first quarter of the year 2024 witnessed massive evacuation of cargoes through the auction process whereby over 7000 overtime cargoes of about a decade where relieved to the bidders.
The essence of that exercise was to create economic space at the ports and encourage personnel to carry out operational activities. The significant evacuation of lingering containers and other overdue cargoes from the port reaffirms the commitment of the Adewale Adeniyi led management team of the Customs.
Still on overtime cargoes, vehicles that were imported into the country for close to a decade dwell time at the ports were not spared in the process as the imported cars were auctioned to qualified bidders.
The innovation by CGC also attracted positive stakeholders reaction by describing the customs boss as “Talk and Do officer”.
REVENUE GENERATION
The comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says the agency is targeting N5.79 trillion as revenue in 2024.
Though customs revenue target for 2023 under his watch was N3.684 trillion representing 81 percent of the year’s projected income, he said another revenue source customs is trying to improve is the excise duty charged on locally produced goods.
He has galvanized stakeholders in the maritime industry preaching about the need to put Nigeria first as enshrined in the campaign manifesto of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Adeniyi has improved revenue collection through various measures, including optimising revenue collection, plugging revenue leakages, and addressing gaps in the customs clearance process.
Last year revenue collection of N3.2 trillion representing a 21.4 per cent increase compared to the previous year of 2022.
Adeniyi explained that while it is possible to increase the revenue to N6 trillion in 2024, a number of issues limiting customs’ ability to generate revenue must be addressed.
“This is possible. If we are able to review the concession that we are going to grant in 2024, we might get there,” he said.
Adeniyi said the excise duty on single-use plastic products which was suspended in July should be lifted.
SPORT INITIATIVES
In football and basketball, the Nigeria Customs Service has clinched both gold and other in the last one year.
Adewale Adeniyi , NCS Men Basketball Team secured victory in the prestigious Nigerian Basket Ball Federation (NBBF) Premier League Men eight final championships, tagged Savannah Conference.
Under Adeniyi, the Nigeria Customs Service football team secured silver medal from the Maritime Cup Competition 2023 edition.
Meanwhile, Adeniyi acknowledged sports as paramount to the well-being of personnel especially in paramilitary organization like the NCS adding that physical fitness enhance performance, resilience and over all health benefit which are all crucial for carrying out duties effectively.
The service as an organization that takes sport very serious because of the values it instils, has collaborated with Institutions special in the paramilitary space.
Particularly to promote self discipline, the service entered into strategic relationship with Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).
