By Abubakar Yunus
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Bashir Adeniyi, comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on his election as chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.
According to a statement over the weekend by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu asked the NCS boss to surpass the council’s expectations.
Also congratulating the board, management, and staff of the NCS on the feat, the president said the Nigerian flag was hoisted at the WCO headquarters in Brussels for the first time.
He described the development as a testament to the leadership provided by Adeniyi since his appointment as the head of the NCS.
“This event demonstrates the dynamism of the leadership provided by Adeniyi, who has been the head of NCS since his appointment two years ago,” Tinubu said.
“In two years, Adeniyi has increased revenue collections, consistently surpassing budgetary targets, improved relations with various stakeholders, modernised operations and digitalised processes for effectiveness.
“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 expectation of the WCO Council and even surpass it.”
Tinubu also thanked the secretary-general and leaders of the WCO for supporting Adeniyi’s election and assured them of Nigeria’s support during his tenure as council chair.
The WCO Council had announced Adeniyi’s appointment as its new chairperson, effective July 1, 2025.
The council, which is the governing body of the WCO, comprises the heads of 186 customs administrations across the world.
With the election, Adeniyi becomes the first Nigerian to hold the position since the WCO’s establishment in 1953.
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