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Chairpersons

President Tinubu Congratulates Nigerian Customs Boss on Historic Win as WCO Chairperson

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has extended congratulations to the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, following his unanimous election as Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in Brussels on Saturday. This historic milestone marks the first time a Nigerian has led the 73-year-old WCO, which comprises 186 member countries and serves as the highest decision-making authority in customs administration worldwide. President Tinubu commended Adeniyi and the NCS Board, management, and staff for earning this international recognition, highlighting Adeniyi's achievements, including increased revenue collections, improved stakeholder relations, and the modernisation and digitalisation of customs operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Adewale Adeniyi becomes the first Nigerian to lead the 73-year-old World Customs Organisation (WCO), a global body comprising 186 member countries.
  • Adeniyi was elected unanimously as Chairperson of the WCO Council on Saturday, a historic milestone for Nigeria.
  • The NCS under Adeniyi has consistently surpassed budgetary targets in revenue collections, improved stakeholder relations, and modernised customs operations using digital solutions.
  • President Tinubu highlighted Adeniyi's achievements and encouraged him to live up to the expectations of the WCO Council and exceed them.
  • Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter as Chairperson of the WCO Council, with an official assumption of office on July 1, 2025.
  • President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the Secretary-General and leaders of the WCO for their unanimous support of Adeniyi's election, assuring them of the Nigerian government's commitment to supporting his leadership.

Statistics:

  • 186: Number of member countries in the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
  • 73-years-old: The age of the WCO, an international body governing customs administration worldwide.
  • 2025: The year Adeniyi officially assumes his role as Chairperson of the WCO Council on July 1.
  • 1952: The year the World Customs Organisation (WCO) was established.

Sources:

  • "President Tinubu congratulates Adewale Adeniyi on election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation." Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
  • "Nigeria's Adeniyi elected as Chairperson of World Customs Organisation in Brussels." The Punch.

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