President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, marking a historic first for Nigeria.
Adeniyi was unanimously elected on Saturday, June 28, during a high-level meeting in Brussels, Belgium. The appointment makes him the first Nigerian to lead the WCO Council since its establishment in 1952. The WCO, with 186 member countries, serves as the global authority on customs matters.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu described the election as a landmark achievement for Nigeria, noting that the Nigerian flag was raised for the first time at the WCO headquarters in Brussels—a powerful symbol of the country’s rising stature in international trade and customs administration.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised Adeniyi’s performance since assuming office two years ago, highlighting key achievements such as consistent revenue surpluses, improved stakeholder relations, and the digital transformation of customs operations.
“Adeniyi has brought pride and credibility to Nigeria and our ongoing economic reforms,” Tinubu said. “His election is not only a recognition of his individual competence but also a validation of the positive direction of our national institutions. I urge him to meet—and exceed—the expectations of the global customs community.”
President Tinubu also commended the WCO leadership for the unanimous decision and pledged Nigeria’s support for Adeniyi’s tenure.
Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, and will officially assume leadership of the WCO Council on July 1, 2025.
The WCO Council is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting strategic direction, promoting uniform customs practices, and guiding policy decisions across member states.
With Adeniyi at the helm, Nigeria takes a prominent role in shaping the future of global customs administration.
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