President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, following his historic election as Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). The announcement was today Saturday, June 28, during a high-level meeting in Brussels, Belgium.
Mr. Adeniyi’s election, achieved unanimously by WCO member countries, marks a significant milestone not only for Nigeria but for Africa, as he becomes the first Nigerian to chair the global customs body in its 73-year history. The WCO, which boasts 186 member nations, serves as the supreme governing body overseeing global customs administration and trade facilitation standards.
President Tinubu praised Adeniyi’s visionary leadership and reform-driven tenure at the Nigeria Customs Service, noting that under his stewardship, the NCS has consistently exceeded revenue targets, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, modernised operations, and driven the digital transformation of customs processes.
“This is a moment of immense pride for Nigeria. The election of CGC Adeniyi is both a personal achievement and national honour. The hoisting of the Nigerian flag at the WCO headquarters for the first time in history is symbolic of our rising global relevance,” President Tinubu stated.
The President also commended the WCO leadership and member countries for the confidence reposed in Nigeria’s Customs chief, pledging the full support of the Nigerian government as Mr. Adeniyi assumes the global role.
Mr. Adeniyi is set to officially take over as Chairperson of the WCO Council on July 1, 2025, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service. His role will involve providing strategic leadership to the WCO Council, which is responsible for shaping customs standards, driving modernisation initiatives, and fostering uniformity among customs administrations globally.
President Tinubu urged the new WCO Chair to rise to the expectations of the international community and continue to showcase Nigeria’s capacity for transformative leadership on the world stage.
