Tinubu Felicitates Customs CG Adeniyi at 60

By Oluwakemi Kindness

President Bola Tinubu has felicitated the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, on his 60th birthday, commending his dedicated service and far-reaching reforms that have repositioned the agency.

In a statement issued on Monday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the milestone as a celebration of impactful leadership marked by institutional transformation and global relevance.

The President noted that since assuming office, Dr. Adeniyi has driven landmark reforms that have strengthened the NCS and enhanced its competitiveness on the global stage.

According to him, these efforts culminated in Adeniyi’s election as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in June 2025, a recognition he said reflects Nigeria’s growing influence in global customs administration.

President Tinubu praised the Comptroller-General for projecting Nigeria and Africa positively through what he described as inclusive, practical and charismatic 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) through the C-PACT platform.

The President also highlighted the integration of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme in Nigeria, supported by the WCO, noting that it has helped improve cargo clearance timelines, boost revenue performance and strengthen partnerships with traders.

He further acknowledged the adoption of the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.

President Tinubu affirmed that internal reforms within the Customs Service — including automation and digitisation of operations, capacity building through training and upskilling, high-level diplomacy and adoption of global best practices — have translated into improved trade facilitation and revenue collection.

He credited Dr. Adeniyi’s visionary leadership with better community relations, consistent surpassing of revenue targets, stronger trade partnerships with countries and multilateral institutions, and enhanced border security.

As the Comptroller-General marks his 60th birthday, President Tinubu prayed that God grants him continued strength, good health and wisdom to further serve the nation.