SEREC Identifies Strategic Gains, Advises CGC Adeniyi On Global Role As WCO Chair

SEREC Identifies Strategic Gains, Advises CGC Adeniyi On Global Role As WCO Chair

Fwdr.Dr.Eugen Nweke Head Research SEREC

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC) has hailed the election of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, describing the development as a major milestone not only for Nigeria but also for Africa and the Global South.

In a comprehensive position statement released on Monday and signed by its Head of Research, Forwarder Eugene Nweke, SEREC outlined the far-reaching benefits of Adeniyi’s elevation to the global role while also offering key strategic advice to guide him as he shoulders the dual responsibility of leading both the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the WCO.

Describing CGC Adeniyi as “an intelligent, pragmatic, and strategic thinker,” SEREC noted that his track record in Nigeria’s customs administration makes him an exceptional fit for the top WCO position. The think tank further emphasized that his new role positions Nigeria to significantly influence global customs operations and policymaking.

Opportunities for Nigeria

SEREC highlighted four core areas Nigeria could leverage from Adeniyi’s leadership at the WCO:

1. Influence on Global Customs Policies – Nigeria can now take an active role in shaping international customs discourse, especially on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), illicit trade suppression, and digital border management.

2. Driving Innovation – Adeniyi’s new role presents an opportunity for Nigeria to spearhead modernization and standardization of customs processes globally, enhancing supply chain resilience.

3. Advancing African Interests – As the first Nigerian to head the WCO Council, Adeniyi is strategically positioned to represent the interests of developing economies and amplify African voices in global customs matters.

4. Strengthening Partnerships – His position can help Nigeria deepen international customs partnerships, encourage knowledge sharing, and attract foreign investment into the country’s trade infrastructure.

Strategic Advice for the CGC

While acknowledging Adeniyi’s accomplishments through his leadership policies—particularly in trade facilitation, revenue optimization, digital transformation, and stakeholder engagement—SEREC advised him to remain grounded in Nigeria’s pressing economic realities.

The organization urged the CGC to:

Continue simplifying customs procedures to enhance efficiency.

Support policies that foster a more business-friendly environment and job creation.

Closely monitor inflation trends and implement policies that stabilize the economy.

Ensure operational excellence within the NCS, especially in cargo handling, to reflect Nigeria’s global status.

SEREC also recommended that the CGC resist media distractions and focus on delivering practical value to Nigeria’s economy.

Duties as WCO Chair

Looking ahead to his global role, the organization advised Adeniyi to provide strategic leadership to the WCO’s Policy Commission, mediate among 186 member countries, and advocate for increased capacity building—particularly for developing nations.

It also charged him to promote Nigeria’s non-oil export agenda by supporting agencies like the Nigeria Export Promotion Council and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council in positioning “Made in Nigeria” goods on the global stage.

SEREC concluded by stating that “charity must begin at home,” urging CGC Adeniyi to address any internal challenges that hinder cargo fluidity and affect Nigeria’s trade image negatively.

“By leveraging this global position effectively, Nigeria stands to benefit immensely in terms of trade diplomacy, customs modernization, and economic growth,” the statement noted.