By Nkechi Eze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has felicitated the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Dr. Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, on the occasion of his 60th birthday, celebrating a milestone he described as symbolic of decades of dedicated service, visionary leadership and far-reaching reforms within the Service.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President congratulated Dr. Adeniyi on attaining the landmark age, noting that his tenure as Comptroller-General has been marked by transformative reforms that have significantly repositioned the Nigerian Customs Service as a modern, efficient and globally relevant institution.
President Tinubu observed that under Dr. Adeniyi’s leadership, the NCS has recorded notable progress in aligning with international best practices, a development that culminated in his historic recognition and election as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in June 2025. The President described the feat as a reflection of Nigeria’s renewed credibility and growing influence within the global customs and trade facilitation community.
The President further commended the Comptroller-General for projecting both Nigeria and Africa positively on the global stage through what he described as inclusive, practical and charismatic leadership at the WCO. He noted that Dr. Adeniyi has successfully rallied customs administrations and key stakeholders around the world to support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), particularly through the Customs Partnership Against Corruption (C-PACT) platform.
Highlighting specific institutional reforms, President Tinubu acknowledged the integration of the Authorized Economic Operator Programme in Nigeria, with the support of the WCO, as a major step towards improving cargo clearance times at the nation’s ports, enhancing revenue performance and strengthening trust-based partnerships between Customs and the trading community. He also noted the adoption of the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade, which has contributed to safer borders and more efficient trade processes.
According to the President, the internal reforms driven by the Customs boss, including the streamlining of operations through automation and digitization, intensive upskilling and training of officers, sustained high-level diplomacy and the adoption of global best practices, have collectively delivered commendable improvements in trade facilitation and revenue collection.
President Tinubu also acknowledged that Dr. Adeniyi’s visionary leadership has translated into improved community relations, consistent surpassing of revenue targets, stronger trade partnerships with countries and multilateral institutions, and enhanced security around Nigeria’s borders.
As the Comptroller-General marks his 60th birthday, the President prayed that Almighty God would grant him continued strength, good health and wisdom to sustain his service to the nation and to consolidate the gains recorded under his leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service.
