By George Ozalla
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Comptroller-General of Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, on his unanimous election as Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). Adeniyi’s election marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first Nigerian to head the WCO Council since its establishment in 1952.
The WCO, comprising 186 member countries, is the highest decision-making body in global customs administration. President Tinubu noted that Adeniyi’s election reflects Nigeria’s growing influence in international customs and trade matters.
Adeniyi’s achievement is a notable reflection of his leadership and reforms in the Nigeria Customs Service, including significant revenue collection reforms, digitalisation of operations, and improved stakeholder engagement. President Tinubu praised Adeniyi for bringing pride and validation to Nigeria and urged him to live up to the expectations of the WCO Council.
Adeniyi’s leadership has been marked by notable achievements, including boosting revenue collection and improving the efficiency of customs operations through reforms. He has also introduced digital technologies to streamline customs processes and reduce clearance times. Furthermore, he has enhanced relationships with stakeholders, including traders, importers, and exporters, to promote trade facilitation and compliance.
Adeniyi’s election as WCO Chair highlights his expertise and dedication to customs administration, and he is officially taking over from Edward Kieswetter, South African Revenue Service Commission.
