President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Comptroller-General of Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, on his unanimous election as Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
The congratulatory message was contained in a press release issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Saturday, 28 June 2025.
Adeniyi’s election was announced in Brussels on Saturday, marking a historic milestone as he becomes the first Nigerian to head the WCO Council since the organisation’s establishment in 1952. The WCO, which comprises 186 member countries, serves as the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.
President Tinubu noted that hoisting Nigeria’s national flag at the WCO headquarters in Brussels is a momentous event reflecting the country’s growing influence in international customs and trade matters.
“This event demonstrates the dynamism of the leadership provided by Adeniyi, who has been the head of the Nigeria Customs Service since his appointment two years ago,” the President said.
He praised the Customs boss for raising the service’s profile through significant revenue collection reforms, digitalisation of operations, and improved stakeholder engagement.
“I congratulate the customs boss for bringing pride and validation to our country and for 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,” President Tinubu added.
The President also thanked the WCO Secretary-General and other leaders for electing the Nigerian candidate and pledged his administration’s full support as Adeniyi assumes his new global role.
CGC Adeniyi will officially take over from Edward Kieswetter, South African Revenue Service Commissioner, and begin leading the WCO Council on 1 July 2025.
