President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended hearty congratulations to the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his unanimous election as Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organization (WCO), describing the achievement as a “moment of pride” for Nigeria on the global stage.

Adeniyi’s election, which took place yesterday  in Brussels, marks the first time a Nigerian will head the 73-year-old global body.

 The WCO Council is the supreme governing authority of the organization, which comprises 186 member countries and plays a pivotal role in shaping global customs practices, policies, and standards.

President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the hoisting of the Nigerian flag at the WCO headquarters in Brussels for the first time in the organization’s history symbolizes a turning point for the country’s influence in global customs administration.

“This event demonstrates the dynamism of the leadership provided by Adeniyi, who has served as the head of the Nigerian Customs Service for two years with distinction,” the President said.

Under Adeniyi’s stewardship, the NCS has consistently surpassed revenue targets, modernized its systems, and enhanced stakeholder engagement, all while intensifying the digitalization of customs operations to boost transparency and efficiency.

President Tinubu commended the Customs chief for not only bringing honour to Nigeria but also for validating the administration’s broader economic reform agenda.

“I congratulate the Customs boss for bringing pride and validation to our country and the economic reforms. I urge the new Chairperson of the WCO to live up to the expectations of the WCO Council and even surpass them,” the President said.

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

His appointment received the unanimous endorsement of WCO leaders and the Secretary-General of the Organization.

The WCO Council, to which all other bodies of the organization report, is tasked with promoting international customs cooperation, advancing modernization, and ensuring harmonized customs procedures across its global membership.

President Tinubu further assured the international customs community of Nigeria’s full support for Mr. Adeniyi’s leadership and expressed confidence that his tenure would be marked by excellence and impact.

 Adeniyi’s election adds to Nigeria’s growing footprint in global governance bodies and aligns with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to position Nigeria as a leading voice in continental and global affairs.

“This is more than an individual accomplishment. It is a national milestone. “It shows that when we lead with integrity and vision, the world takes notice”, President Tinubu stated.