President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, for transforming the Service into a globally competitive and relevant institution, culminating in his election as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in June 2025.
The commendation was conveyed in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, as President Tinubu felicitated Dr. Adeniyi on his 60th birthday.
According to the statement, the President congratulated the Customs Comptroller-General on the milestone, describing it as a testament to decades of dedicated service and landmark reforms that have repositioned the NCS since he assumed leadership.
President Tinubu praised Dr. Adeniyi for projecting Nigeria and Africa on the global stage through what he described as inclusive, practical, and charismatic leadership at the WCO.
He noted that Adeniyi’s tenure has helped rally Customs administrations and critical stakeholders towards the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) using the C-PACT platform.
The President also highlighted the integration of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme in Nigeria, with support from the WCO, which has improved cargo clearance times at ports, enhanced revenue performance, and strengthened partnerships with traders. In addition, he acknowledged the adoption of the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.
President Tinubu affirmed that the ongoing internal reforms within the NCS—particularly the streamlining of operations through automation and digitization, intensive training and upskilling of officers, high-level diplomacy, and the adoption of global best practices—have led to notable improvements in trade facilitation and revenue collection.
He further acknowledged the visionary leadership of the Customs boss, which he said has resulted in better community relations, consistent surpassing of revenue targets, strengthened trade partnerships with countries and multilateral institutions, and improved border security nationwide.
As Dr. Adeniyi marks his 60th birthday, President Tinubu prayed that Almighty God would grant him continued strength, good health, and wisdom to sustain his service to the nation.
