WCO: CGC Adeniyi’s Chairmanship to Reposition Nigeria’s Trade Ecosystem – Afam Chukwuma
Chief Amb. (Dr.) Afam Chukwuma, CEO/Managing Director of International Supply Chain Systems (ISCS) Limited and Deputy National President (Seaport) of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), has extended his warm congratulations to the Controller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), saying it is an opportunity to reposition Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.
Chukwuma described it as a groundbreaking achievement for Nigeria’s customs sector and a significant boost to the economy.
He emphasisied that this milestone reflects the CGC’s exceptional leadership and resilience, highlighting that it is a testament that his outstanding contributions to trade facilitation and customs transformation in Nigeria, is noe recognised globally.
According to him, the CGC’s new status presents a golden opportunity for Nigeria to reposition its trade ecosystem for greater global competitiveness, leveraging international collaboration and best practices.
He noted that exposure to world-class operational standards, such as 24 to 48-hour cargo clearance and paperless trade systems, will motivate the CGC to adopt innovative practices and improve Nigeria’s customs service, adding that
streamlined trade policies and improved clearance processes will reduce the cost of doing business, attract international partners, and boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings.
Reflecting on the fact that Nigeria is low on exports, Chukwuma further said the CGC’s exposure to global export-driven economies will inspire a push toward export growth and self-sufficiency in Nigeria, potentially elevating the country’s trade balance.
“The CGC will now be seated at the head of an organisation where efficiency and innovation are the norm. This will undoubtedly motivate him to adopt best practices and apply them to improve Nigeria’s customs service. It’s a win-win for our economy”.
“You can’t chair meetings where countries boast of export surpluses while leading a system that is import-dependent. This role will challenge and inspire the CGC to elevate Nigeria’s trade balance”, he buttressed.
