Adeniyi’s Tenure Extension Seen as Strategic Boost For Nigeria’s Global Trade Standing – Dr. Aniebonam
Adeniyi’s Tenure Extension Seen as Strategic Boost For Nigeria’s Global Trade Standing – Dr. Aniebonam
Founder of NAGAFF/NNPP , Dr. Boniface Aniebonam
By Frank Odinukaeze
The recent extension of the tenure of Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has been described as both a reward for stellar service delivery and a strategic move to consolidate Nigeria’s leadership role at the World Customs Organization (WCO).
Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, Founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), stated this in reaction to the presidency’s decision to extend CGC Adeniyi’s service by one year.
According to Aniebonam, the extension is a recognition of the high-performance standards set by the Adeniyi-led management team, whose accomplishments include significant gains in revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, trade facilitation, stakeholder engagement, deployment of electronic systems, and robust international cooperation.
“The truth is that his management team and the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service have earned honour and respect for their outstanding delivery in key operational areas,” Dr. Aniebonam noted.
He further emphasized that the move is more than just a domestic administrative decision — it positions Nigeria to maintain its influential chairmanship role at the WCO.
“By implication, Wale Adeniyi and his high-performing team are likely to go two years more to enable Nigeria serve out its WCO tenure. What a child of God indeed,” he remarked.
Dr. Aniebonam also drew a parallel between CGC Adeniyi’s international leadership at the WCO and the role of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), stating that these developments underscore the effectiveness of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda on the global stage.
“With Ngozi Iweala at WTO and Adeniyi at WCO, the mantra of the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President is clearly working,” he concluded.
The extension is widely seen as a nod to continuity and excellence, affirming Nigeria’s growing footprint in international trade leadership and customs modernization.
