Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has been unanimously re-elected as chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council for a second term, reaffirming Nigeria’s growing influence in global customs administration.
Gatekeepers News reports that the re-election was confirmed during the organisation’s 147th and 148th Council Sessions held in Brussels.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described the unanimous vote as a historic endorsement of Adeniyi’s leadership, saying it reflects international recognition of the reforms introduced at the Nigeria Customs Service.
According to the President, the Customs boss has strengthened revenue generation, enhanced border security, improved trade facilitation and modernised customs operations through initiatives such as the indigenous B’Odogwu customs clearance platform.
Tinubu noted that his recent decision to extend Adeniyi’s tenure as Comptroller-General was aimed at sustaining ongoing reforms within the Customs Service. He said the overwhelming support from the international customs community validates the agency’s progress in institutional reforms, technology-driven operations and improved stakeholder engagement.
The President also commended the implementation of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, the expansion of non-intrusive inspection technology and stronger collaboration with other government agencies.
He expressed confidence that Adeniyi’s second term as WCO Council chairperson would deepen international cooperation, promote secure and efficient global trade, and further enhance Nigeria’s standing in global customs administration.
