With N36.02trn in Q1, Customs CG projects strong trade volume for 2025

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Chairman, who doubles as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed optimism about 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 […]

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Chairman, who doubles as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed optimism about 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.

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The CGC believes that Nigeria’s projected trade volume for 2025 is expected to be significant, considering the fact that the country’s total trade value reached N36.02 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 N36.02 trillion achieved in first quarter 2025, while the total trade surplus rose to N5.17 trillion in Q1 2025, marking a 51.07% increase from Q4 2024.

The nation’s non-oil export rose by 64.65% to N1.70 trillion, while raw material exports increased by 196.12% to N1.04 trillion.

Industry watchers believe that the projected trade volume for 2025, can be extrapolated 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 World 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 has been described as 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.

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.

 

What’s in it for Nigeria?

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.

Experts say Adeniyi’s 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.

The Customs top brass continuously has repositioned operational activities of service. 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.

The dissolution of the existing strike force team that constitutes multiple layers of enforcement into the recognized structure of the Federal Operations Units (FOU) has been applauded by stakeholders.

Adeniyi also introduced The Revenue Review Recovery Team with the 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.

A truck owner, Comrade Adeyinka Aroyewun hailed the dissolution of the task force, saying, “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.”

Igwe Kingsley, General Secretary, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in setting agenda for the WCO said, “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 being planned by the Customs.”