Follow Us on Google
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, following his unanimous election as Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in Brussels on Saturday.
Adeniyi’s election marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the first Nigerian to lead the 73-year-old WCO, a global body comprising 186 member countries and serving as the highest decision-making authority in customs administration worldwide.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga,President Tinubu commended Adeniyi, along with the NCS Board, management, and staff, for earning this international recognition.
He described the raising of the Nigerian flag at the WCO headquarters in Brussels as a “significant milestone,” noting that it was the first time the flag would be hoisted at the organisation’s headquarters since its establishment 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,” President Tinubu said.
He highlighted Adeniyi’s achievements, including increased revenue collections that have consistently surpassed budgetary targets, improved stakeholder relations, and the modernisation and digitalisation of customs operations. “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,” Tinubu added.
The President also expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General and leaders of the WCO for their unanimous support of Adeniyi’s election, assuring them of the Nigerian government’s commitment to supporting his leadership.
Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, and will officially assume his role as Chairperson of the WCO Council on July 1, 2025.
