Customs Officers welcome Adeniyi after WCO Chairmanship renewal

By Onu Okorie

Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, has returned to Nigeria to a warm reception from officers and management of the Service following the renewal of his tenure as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation WCO Council and the extension of his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.

Adeniyi arrived at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday after attending the 147th and 148th WCO Council Sessions in Brussels, where member countries unanimously renewed his mandate as Chairperson of the global customs body for another year.

The renewal, which came in recognition of his leadership and contributions to international customs administration, was widely celebrated by officers and men of the Service, who welcomed him back with enthusiasm.

The NCS management team also congratulated the Comptroller-General on the recent six-month extension of his appointment by President Tinubu, presenting him with a souvenir in appreciation of what they described as his exemplary leadership and the transformation witnessed within the Service.

Speaking during the reception, Adeniyi expressed gratitude to the management and personnel of the NCS for their steadfast support, describing the honour as a collective achievement.

“I sincerely appreciate your support. I went to Brussels believing I was going to hand over, but the outcome was different. The Council renewed my tenure for another one year, and I dedicate this achievement to the entire Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.

The Customs boss disclosed that he had travelled to Brussels expecting to conclude his tenure as Chairperson of the WCO Council but was instead entrusted with another one-year mandate by members of the Council.

The renewed international mandate, coupled with the extension of his tenure as Comptroller-General, is seen as a strong vote of confidence in his leadership both at home and on the global stage.

Observers say the development is expected to strengthen the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing reform agenda, deepen international partnerships, and enhance trade facilitation initiatives aimed at improving customs operations and supporting Nigeria’s economic growth.