Tinubu reacts as Nigeria’s Customs chief makes history as first WCO Council Chair

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on his unanimous election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council in Brussels.

Adeniyi becomes the first Nigerian to lead the 73-year-old organization, which comprises 186 member countries and serves as the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.

Tinubu praised Adeniyi’s leadership, noting that the hoisting of Nigeria’s flag at the WCO headquarters marks a historic milestone, the first since the organization’s founding in 1952.

“I congratulate the Customs boss for bringing pride and validation to our country and the economic reforms,” Tinubu stated, urging Adeniyi to exceed the expectations of the WCO Council.

Since his appointment as NCS head two years ago, Adeniyi has driven significant reforms, including surpassing revenue targets, enhancing stakeholder relations, modernizing operations, and digitizing processes for greater efficiency.

Tinubu also commended the NCS Board, management, and staff for this global recognition.

Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter of the South African Revenue Service and will assume leadership of the WCO Council on July 1, 2025.

The Council shapes global customs policies, promoting uniformity and best practices across member states.

Tinubu expressed gratitude to the WCO Secretary-General and leaders for their unanimous support and pledged Nigeria’s commitment to Adeniyi’s tenure.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, issued the statement on June 28, 2025.