President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi following his unanimous election as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in Brussels on Saturday.
In a historic moment, Adeniyi becomes the first Nigerian to lead the 73-year-old organization, which encompasses 186 member countries and serves as the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.
President Tinubu praised this achievement, highlighting the significant milestone of raising the Nigerian flag at the WCO headquarters for the first time since its founding in 1952—a testament to Adeniyi’s dynamic leadership over the past two years.
Under his tenure, Adeniyi has successfully increased revenue collections, consistently exceeded budgetary targets, and fostered improved relations with various stakeholders. He has also modernized operations and digitalized processes within the NCS to enhance efficiency.
“I congratulate the Customs boss and his management team for bringing pride and validation to our country and its economic reforms,” President Tinubu remarked. “I urge the new Chairperson of the WCO to not only meet the Council’s expectations but to surpass them.”
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The President also expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General and WCO leaders for their unanimous decision to elect Adeniyi, assuring that his government would support his leadership of the Council.
Adeniyi will officially assume his role as Chairperson on July 1, 2025, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.
The WCO Council plays a crucial role in promoting uniformity, modernization, and global best practices among customs administrations, guiding operations across its 186 member states.
This election not only reflects well on the competency of Nigerian leadership but also positions Nigeria prominently on the global customs stage, symbolizing hope for enhanced collaboration in international trade and customs management.
This is contained in a statement sent to Newspoint247 on Saturday and signed by the Special Adviser to the President
