Tinubu Hails CGC Wale Adeniyi’s Historic Election As Chair of World Customs Organisation

Sunday June 29, 2025

By Idorenyin UMOREN

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his unanimous election as Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation, WCO, marking a historic first for Nigeria.

The election, held on Saturday, June 28, in Brussels, sees Adeniyi become the first Nigerian to lead the 73-year-old global body, which comprises 186 member nations and serves as the highest decision-making organ in international customs administration.

In a statement released by the State House, President Tinubu praised the achievement as a proud milestone for Nigeria, highlighting it as symbolic of the progress made under Adeniyi’s leadership. Tinubu described the achievement as a testament to Adeniyi’s dynamic leadership since his appointment two years ago, and noted that the hoisting of Nigeria’s national flag at the WCO headquarters for the first time since its founding in 1952 is a significant moment.

During his tenure, Adeniyi has steered the NCS towards significant reforms—enhancing revenue collection beyond budgetary expectations, strengthening stakeholder engagement, modernising customs operations, and digitising processes for greater efficiency.

“I congratulate the Customs boss for bringing pride and validation to our country and economic reforms. I urge him to live up to and exceed the expectations of the WCO Council and even surpass it,” the President added.

Tinubu also extended gratitude to the Secretary-General and the leadership of the WCO for their unanimous support of Adeniyi’s candidacy and pledged his administration’s full support for his tenure.

Adeniyi will officially assume his new role on July 1, 2025, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.

The WCO Council is responsible for shaping customs policy and promoting standardisation, modernisation, and best practices in customs administration worldwide. All technical and working groups under the WCO report to the Council, whose decisions shape the customs procedures of its member countries.