By Harriet Tornguvan
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, on the occasion of his 60th birthday, describing the milestone as a testament to a career marked by dedication and impactful public service.
In a statement to mark the celebration, the President commended Adeniyi for the far-reaching reforms undertaken since he assumed leadership of the Service, noting that his stewardship has significantly repositioned the NCS as a more efficient, transparent and globally relevant institution.
President Tinubu particularly highlighted the elevation of the Nigerian Customs Service on the international stage, citing Adeniyi’s recognition and election as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in June 2025 as a notable achievement that reflects Nigeria’s growing influence in global trade administration.
The President praised the Comptroller-General for providing inclusive and pragmatic leadership at the WCO, as well as for mobilising customs administrations and key stakeholders towards the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through the C-PACT platform.
He further acknowledged the integration of the Authorised Economic Operator Programme in Nigeria, with support from the WCO, aimed at improving cargo clearance times at the ports, enhancing revenue performance and strengthening partnerships with traders. The adoption of the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to secure and facilitate global trade was also commended.
According to the President, ongoing internal reforms within the Service—driven by automation and digitisation of processes, capacity building and training of officers, strengthened diplomatic engagement and adherence to global best practices—have yielded measurable improvements in trade facilitation and revenue generation.
President Tinubu also noted that Adeniyi’s visionary leadership has fostered improved community relations, consistent surpassing of revenue targets, stronger trade partnerships with countries and multilateral institutions, and enhanced security across Nigeria’s borders.
As the Comptroller-General marks his 60th birthday, the President prayed that God grants him continued good health, strength and wisdom to sustain his service to the nation.
