ZAINAB JUNAID
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his historic election as the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council Chairperson.
CGC Adeniyi made history by becoming the first Nigerian to head the 73-year-old organisation. He was unanimously elected as the chairperson of WCO Council on Saturday in Brussels.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Saturday, 28 June 2025, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria extended warm felicitations to the CGC, the Board, management and staff of the NCS on this recognition.
President Tinubu believed that the hoisting of the Nigerian flag at the WCO headquarters in Brussels marks a significant milestone.
“It is the first time the flag has been raised at the organisation’s headquarters since its founding in 1952. This event demonstrates the dynamism of the leadership provided by Adeniyi, who has been the head of NCS since his appointment two years ago.
“In two years, Adeniyi has increased revenue collections, consistently surpassing budgetary targets, improved relations with various stakeholders, modernised operations and digitalised processes for effectiveness.
“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 expectation of the WCO Council and even surpass it,” the President said.
President Tinubu further extended appreciation to the Secretary-General and WCO leaders for unanimously electing the Nigerian Customs boss and assured that his government will support his leadership of the Council.
CGC Adeniyi, who takes over the leadership of the Council of WCO from Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, will officially begin guiding the global institution from 1st July 2025.
The WCO Council, the organisation’s supreme governing body, plays a crucial role in promoting uniformity, modernisation, and global best practices among customs administrations. All WCO working bodies report to the Council, whose policy decisions guide the operations of customs administrations across its 186 member states.
