President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his unanimous election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council. Adeniyi made history as the first Nigerian to head the 73-year-old organisation, which has 186 member countries.

In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended Adeniyi for bringing pride and validation to Nigeria and the economic reforms. “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. Bayo Onanuga noted that the President believes the hoisting of the Nigerian flag at the WCO headquarters in Brussels marks a significant milestone.

Adeniyi’s leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service has been marked by significant achievements, including increased revenue collections, improved relations with stakeholders, modernised operations, and digitalised processes. Bayo Onanuga further quoted President Tinubu as thanking the Secretary-General and WCO leaders for unanimously electing Adeniyi and assuring that his government will support his leadership of the Council.

As Chairperson of the WCO Council, Adeniyi will guide the global institution starting July 1, 2025, promoting uniformity, modernisation, and global best practices among customs administrations. The WCO Council plays a crucial role in shaping the operations of customs administrations across its 186 member states.