Harboursandport.com: Lagos – July 7, 2025 Nigeria is basking in a wave of national pride following the historic election of Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi MFR as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization, WCO Council—the first Nigerian and West African to ever hold the prestigious global position.
The announcement has sparked widespread celebration across the country’s trade and maritime sectors, with key stakeholders hailing the appointment as a transformative milestone for Nigeria and the African continent.
In a congratulatory message, the Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (BACCIMA) described Adeniyi’s election as a “moment of immense pride for the entire nation.” Alhaji Yahaya Oladiran Idris, President of BACCIMA and National Vice President of NACCIMA, praised Adeniyi’s “reform-driven leadership” and unwavering commitment to strengthening Customs-to-Business relationships.
“Your emergence is not only a personal achievement but a beacon of hope for trade facilitation across Africa,”
Idris wrote. “We are confident that under your leadership, the WCO will witness new heights of innovation, inclusiveness, and partnership—particularly in enhancing cross-border trade and building smarter Customs systems globally.”
BACCIMA, which represents businesses along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, pledged its full support for Adeniyi’s vision, especially in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives.
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group—a leading multinational in maritime and logistics—hailed Adeniyi’s election as a “momentous achievement for the African continent and the maritime industry.”
In a letter personally signed, Afolabi described the Comptroller-General’s rise as a reflection of “exemplary leadership, deep expertise, and unwavering commitment to reforming and repositioning the Nigeria Customs Service.”
“As stakeholders in the maritime and logistics ecosystem, we look forward to the transformative leadership you will provide in this prestigious role,” Afolabi stated, assuring Adeniyi of SIFAX Group’s continued support and partnership.
Adeniyi’s appointment comes at a critical time for global trade, with increasing emphasis on digital transformation, border efficiency, and international cooperation. His leadership is expected to bring a fresh African perspective to the WCO Council, advancing customs modernization and inclusive trade policies.
As Nigeria celebrates this historic milestone, the business and trade communities remain optimistic that Adeniyi’s tenure will not only elevate the country’s global standing but also unlock new opportunities for economic growth across the ECOWAS sub-region and beyond.
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