President Tinubu Hails Customs Boss Adeniyi at 60, Praises Landmark Reforms, Global Recognition

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Dr. Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, as he marks his 60th birthday.

The message was conveyed in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

President Tinubu described the milestone as a celebration of decades of dedicated service to the nation and the landmark reforms that have repositioned the Nigerian Customs Service since Dr. Adeniyi assumed leadership.

He praised the Comptroller-General’s commitment to transforming the NCS into a globally competitive and relevant institution, a vision that earned him international recognition and his election as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in June 2025.

The President commended Dr. Adeniyi for projecting Nigeria and Africa on the global stage through inclusive, practical and charismatic leadership at the WCO, and for mobilising Customs administrations and key stakeholders toward implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through the C-PACT platform.

President Tinubu also highlighted the successful integration of the Authorised Economic Operator Programme in Nigeria, supported by the WCO, which has improved cargo clearance times at ports, boosted revenue performance and strengthened partnerships with traders. He further praised the adoption of the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.

According to the President, internal reforms—seen in the streamlining of operations through automation and digitisation, continuous training and upskilling of officers, high-level diplomacy, and the adoption of global best practices—have led to significant improvements in trade facilitation and revenue collection.

He noted that Dr. Adeniyi’s visionary leadership has resulted in better community relations, consistent surpassing of revenue targets, stronger trade partnerships with countries and multilateral institutions, and improved security along Nigeria’s borders.

As the Customs boss turns 60, President Tinubu prayed that Almighty God would grant him continued strength, good health and wisdom to keep serving the nation.