Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has achieved a historic first for Nigeria, being unanimously elected as Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). This landmark election, held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium, marks the first time a Nigerian will lead the 73-year-old global body, which serves as the highest decision-making organ in international customs administration and comprises 185 or 186 member nations.

President Bola Tinubu led the nation in congratulating Adeniyi, describing the achievement as a moment of immense pride and a significant national milestone. In a statement, President Tinubu highlighted the hoisting of Nigeria’s national flag at the WCO headquarters for the first time since its founding in 1952, symbolizing a turning point for Nigeria's influence in global customs administration. President Tinubu lauded Adeniyi's dynamic leadership since his appointment as head of the NCS two years ago, noting his instrumental role in enhancing revenue collection beyond budgetary expectations, strengthening stakeholder engagement, modernising customs operations, and digitising processes for greater efficiency. The President urged Adeniyi to live up to and exceed the expectations of the WCO Council, pledging his administration’s full support for his tenure and thanking the WCO Secretary-General and leadership for their unanimous endorsement.

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) also extended its heartfelt congratulations, describing Adeniyi's election as a milestone that affirms public relations as a core leadership function in global governance. Dr. Ike Neliaku, President and Chairman of the NIPR Council, in a letter of congratulations, expressed deep delight, noting that Adeniyi, the immediate past Vice President of the NIPR, exemplifies the far-reaching impact of strategic communication in effective leadership. Neliaku emphasized that this elevation reflects the visible value public relations brings in advancing excellence across sectors, expressing confidence that Adeniyi’s tenure as WCO Chair would usher in innovations and transformative reforms in global customs administration, particularly in how the organization communicates its operations to the international community.

Adeniyi is set to officially assume his new role on July 1, 2025, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service. As Chairperson, he will guide the WCO Council, which plays a crucial role in shaping global customs policy, promoting standardisation, modernisation, and best practices among its member countries. All technical and working groups under the WCO report to the Council, whose policy decisions guide the operations and procedures of customs administrations worldwide. This election adds to Nigeria's growing footprint in global governance bodies and aligns with the Tinubu administration's Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to position Nigeria as a leading voice in continental and global affairs, demonstrating that integrity and vision can bring international recognition.