The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, fnipr, on his historic election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), describing it as a milestone that affirms public relations as a core leadership function in global governance.

Adeniyi, the immediate past Vice President of the NIPR, was elected Chair at the conclusion of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meeting held in Brussels, Belgium, on Saturday, 28th June 2025. With this election, he becomes the first Nigerian to hold the topmost position in the intergovernmental organisation, which serves as the highest decision-making body in international customs administration with 185 member states.

In a letter of congratulations issued on Saturday, President and Chairman of NIPR Council, Dr Ike Neliaku, praised Adeniyi’s election as a testament to the far-reaching impact of public relations in effective leadership.

“As a professional body, the NIPR is deeply delighted with your election as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation, making history as the first Nigerian to occupy such influential position since its creation with 185 member states,” Neliaku stated.

“This highlights the role of strategic communication in raising the bar of excellence in leadership and is a clear indication that public relations has become a leadership function.”

Neliaku said Adeniyi’s elevation reflects the visible value public relations brings in advancing excellence across sectors, noting that members of the Institute who hold leadership positions are “placing the country on the map of honour at the global stage through deployment of public relations strategies in solving organisational issues and challenges.”

He also expressed confidence that Adeniyi’s tenure as WCO Chair would usher in innovations and transformative reforms in global customs administration, particularly in how the organisation communicates its operations to the international community.

“It is our hope that your time as Chair will drive reforms and enhance the global visibility and effectiveness of the WCO,” he said.

It will be recalled that Adeniyi was recently appointed Vice Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), a strategic public communication initiative of the NIPR.

Boluwatife Enome

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