Tinubu Congratulates CGC Wale Adeniyi on Historic Election as WCO Council Chairperson

Tinubu Congratulates CGC Wale Adeniyi on Historic Election as WCO Council Chairperson

ABUJA – June 28, 2025 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his unanimous election as Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO).

Adeniyi’s election took place on Saturday in Brussels, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first Nigerian to lead the 73-year-old global institution. The WCO Council, comprising 186 member countries, is the apex decision-making body overseeing global customs administration.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded Adeniyi’s achievement and described it as a proud moment for Nigeria and a testament to the transformational reforms being undertaken across the country’s economic and trade systems.

“This is a proud moment for Nigeria,” the President said. “I congratulate the Customs boss for bringing pride and global recognition to our country. His election validates our ongoing economic reforms and highlights the quality of leadership within our public institutions.”

The President also hailed the symbolic hoisting of the Nigerian flag at the WCO headquarters in Brussels—an unprecedented occurrence since the organisation’s establishment in 1952—as a powerful testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in international trade and customs affairs.

Since his appointment two years ago, CGC Adeniyi has spearheaded significant reforms within the Nigeria Customs Service, including enhanced revenue generation, consistent surpassing of budgetary targets, improved stakeholder engagement, operational modernisation, and digital transformation.

President Tinubu extended his gratitude to the WCO Secretary-General and member states for unanimously supporting the Nigerian candidate. He assured the international community of Nigeria’s backing for Adeniyi’s new leadership role at the WCO.

Adeniyi will officially assume office as WCO Council Chairperson on July 1, 2025, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.

As head of the WCO Council, Adeniyi will oversee critical policy decisions aimed at harmonising global customs practices, promoting innovation, and guiding the operations of customs administrations across the world.