Adewale Adeniyi Re-elected as WCO Council Chair for Second Term

Adewale Adeniyi, the comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has been unanimously re-elected as the chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) council.

Adeniyi’s re-election took place during the organisation’s 147th and 148th council sessions held in Brussels, Belgium.

In a statement on Friday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu described the re-election as a historic endorsement of Adeniyi’s visionary leadership.

“Adeniyi’s unanimous re-election is not only a personal honour to Adeniyi, but also a recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in global customs administration,” Tinubu said.

“His leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service has been marked by bold initiatives that have improved revenue generation, strengthened border security, facilitated legitimate trade, and modernised customs operations through homegrown innovations such as B’Odogwu.

“Adeniyi’s second term at the WCO would further deepen international collaboration, promote secure and efficient global trade, and bring even greater honour to our country.”

Tinubu said his recent approval of Adeniyi’s tenure extension as the NCS boss was informed by his conviction that the reform momentum within the agency must be sustained.

According to the president, the overwhelming endorsement by the international customs community validates Adeniyi’s leadership in consolidating reforms.

He added that it acknowledges his efforts in strengthening institutional capacity and modernising customs administration.

The president noted that under Adeniyi’s stewardship, the NCS has recorded significant progress in revenue generation and trade facilitation.

He also highlighted milestones in anti-smuggling operations, border management, stakeholder engagement, and technology-driven reform.

Tinubu said the platform is simplifying cargo clearance processes and reducing reliance on foreign systems.

The president added that it improves transparency and operational efficiency while supporting the federal government’s objective of creating a competitive, technology-driven economy.

He also praised the service’s implementation of the authorised economic operator (AEO) programme, the expansion of non-intrusive inspection technology, and the sustained alignment with international customs standards and improved inter-agency collaboration.

Tinubu wished the customs boss continued wisdom, strength, and success as he undertakes the responsibilities of his renewed global mandate.

The re-election comes weeks after Adeniyi said the NCS had expanded its international engagement through structured partnerships with more than 20 customs administrations worldwide.

He said the collaborations, which focus on knowledge sharing, capacity building and operational cooperation, are aimed at strengthening border security, facilitating legitimate trade and improving revenue generation.

Adeniyi was first elected chairperson of the WCO Council in June 2025, becoming the first Nigerian to lead the organisation’s governing body since its establishment in 1953.

On June 19, Tinubu extended Adeniyi’s tenure for six months, adding to the first extension granted in July 2025, which was meant to expire on August 1, 2026.