Tinubu hails Customs boss Adeniyi on election as Chairperson of WCO Council
By Kunle Sanni –
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his election as Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organization (WCO).
Adeniyi was unanimously elected on Saturday during a session in Brussels, becoming the first Nigerian to lead the WCO Council in the organization’s 73-year history. The WCO, which comprises 186 member countries, is the top global body overseeing customs operations and policies.
President Tinubu praised Adeniyi’s achievement as a “significant milestone,” noting that the Nigerian flag was hoisted for the first time at the WCO headquarters — a symbolic moment underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence in global trade governance.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended Adeniyi’s leadership since assuming office two years ago. The statement noted that Adeniyi has overseen steady improvements in revenue generation, surpassed budgetary targets, modernized customs operations, and strengthened stakeholder relations.
“I congratulate the Customs boss for bringing pride and validation to our country and our 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 said.
The President also expressed appreciation to the WCO leadership for entrusting a Nigerian official with such a significant global role, assuring that the Nigerian government would support Adeniyi’s tenure.
Adeniyi is set to assume official leadership of the Council on July 1, 2025, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.
