by George Ozalla
CGC Adewale Bashir AdeniyiPresident Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Dr Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, on his 60th birthday, praising his leadership and reforms that have repositioned the service.
According to a press statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the milestone as a moment marked by years of dedicated service to the nation and notable institutional reforms since Adeniyi assumed leadership of the Customs Service.
President Tinubu noted that the reforms under Adeniyi’s leadership have helped transform the Nigerian Customs Service into a globally competitive and relevant institution, a development reflected in his election as Chairman of the World Customs Organization in June 2025.
The President commended the Comptroller-General for projecting Nigeria and Africa on the global stage through inclusive, practical and charismatic leadership at the World Customs Organization, as well as for mobilizing customs administrations and key stakeholders toward the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area through the C-PACT platform.
Tinubu also highlighted the integration of the Authorized Economic Operator Programme in Nigeria, with the support of the World Customs Organization, aimed at improving cargo clearance times at the ports, boosting revenue performance and strengthening partnerships with traders. He further acknowledged the adoption of the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards to secure and facilitate global trade.
The President said the internal reforms driven by the Customs leadership, including the streamlining of operations through automation and digitisation, capacity building and training of officers, high-level diplomacy and adherence to global best practices, have translated into improved trade facilitation and revenue collection.
He added that Adeniyi’s leadership has also resulted in better community relations, consistent surpassing of revenue targets, stronger trade partnerships with countries and multilateral institutions, and improved border security.
As the Comptroller-General marks his 60th birthday, President Tinubu prayed for continued strength, good health and wisdom for him in the service of the nation.
