Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has been unanimously re-elected as chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.
Adeniyi’s re-election took place during the organisation’s 147th and 148th Council Sessions held in Brussels, Belgium.
In a statement on Friday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said President Bola Tinubu described the re-election as a historic endorsement of Adeniyi’s visionary leadership.
“Adeniyi’s unanimous re-election is not only a personal honour for Adeniyi but also a recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in global customs administration,” Tinubu said.
“His leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service has been marked by bold initiatives that have improved revenue generation, strengthened border security, facilitated legitimate trade, and modernised customs operations through homegrown innovations such as B’Odogwu.
“Adeniyi’s second term at the WCO will further deepen international collaboration, promote secure and efficient global trade, and bring even greater honour to our country.”
Tinubu said his recent approval of Adeniyi’s tenure extension as the NCS boss was informed by his conviction that the reform momentum within the agency must be sustained.
According to the president, the overwhelming endorsement by the international customs community validates Adeniyi’s leadership in consolidating reforms.
He added that it acknowledges Adeniyi’s efforts in strengthening institutional capacity and modernising customs administration.
The president noted that under Adeniyi’s stewardship, the NCS has recorded significant progress in revenue generation and trade facilitation.
He also highlighted milestones in anti-smuggling operations, border management, stakeholder engagement, and technology-driven reforms.
Referring to the B’Odogwu platform, Tinubu said it is simplifying cargo clearance processes and reducing reliance on foreign systems.
The president added that the platform improves transparency and operational efficiency while supporting the federal government’s objective of creating a competitive, technology-driven economy.
He also praised the service’s implementation of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, the expansion of non-intrusive inspection technology, sustained alignment with international customs standards, and improved inter-agency collaboration.
Tinubu wished the customs boss continued wisdom, strength, and success as he undertakes the responsibilities of his renewed global mandate.
