President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Dr. Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, on his 60th birthday, commending his transformational leadership and far-reaching reforms that have repositioned the Service as a modern, globally competitive institution.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President described the milestone as a fitting moment to celebrate decades of dedicated national service marked by institutional renewal, innovation and international acclaim since Dr. Adeniyi assumed office.
President Tinubu noted that under Adeniyi’s stewardship, the NCS has recorded landmark achievements that have elevated Nigeria’s standing in global customs administration, culminating in his election as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in June 2025.
The President further praised the Comptroller-General for projecting Nigeria and Africa on the global stage through inclusive, practical and visionary leadership at the WCO, as well as for mobilising customs administrations and key stakeholders to advance the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) via the C-PACT platform.
He also highlighted the successful integration of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme in Nigeria, with WCO support, noting that the initiative has improved cargo clearance timelines at the nation’s ports, strengthened partnerships with traders and boosted revenue performance. The adoption of the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade was equally commended as a major step in aligning Nigeria with international best practices.
According to the President, the ongoing internal reforms within the NCS driven by automation and digitisation of operations, intensive capacity building, strategic diplomacy and adherence to global standards have yielded measurable gains in trade facilitation, revenue generation and institutional efficiency.
President Tinubu acknowledged that Adeniyi’s visionary leadership has also translated into improved community relations, consistent surpassing of revenue targets, stronger trade partnerships with countries and multilateral institutions, and enhanced security along Nigeria’s borders.
As the Comptroller-General marks his 60th birthday, the President prayed that Almighty God would grant him continued strength, sound health and wisdom to sustain his service to the nation.