The Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) has extended warm congratulations to the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Dele Aderibigbe, and Secretary, Moses Ebosele, the umbrella body of maritime journalists in Nigeria described Adeniyi’s emergence as a “historic moment for Nigeria and Customs administration across the world.”

Adeniyi made history on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Brussels, becoming the first Nigerian to lead the 73-year-old organization, which has 186 member countries and serves as the highest decision-making body in global customs affairs.

The group lauded the CGC as a transformational leader whose tenure has contributed significantly to the rising global profile of the Nigeria Customs Service. Referencing John Quincy Adams, the statement praised Adeniyi’s leadership style, stating: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

NNMJ further urged Nigerians to continue supporting the CGC’s ongoing reform agenda, which it noted has helped reposition the Nigeria Customs Service to rival even the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) as one of the top revenue-generating institutions in the country.

“On behalf of all maritime journalists in Nigeria, NNMJ congratulates CGC Adeniyi for bringing pride and honour to Nigeria,” the statement read.

The association also encouraged CGC Adeniyi to work collaboratively with international counterparts to sustain the tradition of the WCO while introducing meaningful reforms that will further enhance customs operations globally.