President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his historic election as Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), marking a significant milestone for Nigeria’s international standing in customs administration.
Mr. Adeniyi was unanimously elected on Saturday in Brussels, becoming the first Nigerian to lead the 73-year-old WCO, which serves as the highest decision-making body in global customs operations and has 186 member countries.
President Tinubu, in his statement on Sunday, commended Adeniyi, as well as the board, management, and staff of the Nigeria Customs Service, for the remarkable achievement and the recognition it brings to Nigeria.
“The hoisting of the Nigerian flag at the WCO headquarters in Brussels signifies a historic moment, being the first time our national flag has been raised at the organisation’s headquarters since its founding in 1952,” President Tinubu said.
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He described the election as a testament to the dynamic leadership demonstrated by Adeniyi since his appointment as Comptroller-General of Customs two years ago.
“In two years, Mr. Adeniyi has boosted revenue collections, consistently exceeding budgetary targets, strengthened stakeholder relations, modernised operations, and digitalised customs processes for greater efficiency,” President Tinubu noted.
The President praised Adeniyi for bringing “pride and validation” to Nigeria’s economic reforms and urged him to excel in his new global role.
“I congratulate the Customs boss for bringing pride and validation to our country and the economic reforms. I urge the new Chairperson of the WCO to live up to the expectations of the WCO Council and even surpass them,” Tinubu stated.
President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General and leadership of the World Customs Organisation for unanimously electing Adeniyi and pledged the Nigerian government’s support for his tenure as WCO Chairperson.
Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, and is set to officially assume his role on July 1, 2025.
The World Customs Organisation plays a crucial role in shaping global trade standards, customs cooperation, and the fight against cross-border crimes, making Adeniyi’s appointment a significant achievement for Nigeria and Africa.