By Abdulkareem Zurmi
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has been celebrated by the management team and the entire staff of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following his historic election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.
The reception, held on 1 July 2025, at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, brought together senior management and other staff who gathered to honour the CGC’s landmark achievement.
Delivering the opening remarks, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Mohammed Jibo, in charge of Finance, Administration, and Technical Services, described the CGC as a capable and visionary leader, the ideal choice to represent Nigeria globally.
“We appreciate the dynamic leadership you have showcased. You are a role model to many. Your hard work has shown what the Nigeria Customs can do. You’re not only representing the organisation but Nigeria as a whole. For that, we, the management, are proud of your accomplishment,” he said.
In his goodwill message, DCG, Human Resource Development, Greg Itotoh acknowledged the CGC’s reform efforts within the Service and applauded his leadership in positioning Nigeria as a respected voice in international Customs affairs.
“We truly appreciate you. We are happy that you have performed. This is a historic moment for the organisation,” he remarked.
DCG Excise, Free Trade Zone and Industrial Incentives, Beatrice Nwafor, also appreciated the effort and work the CGC has put into the Service and wished him continued success.
“We are not surprised, but all the same, we are excited. You have not only put the Nigeria Customs Service, but also Nigeria on the world map. Under you, the leadership has been visionary. It is a testament today that it is a new dawn for the Service,” she stated.
In his response, CGC Adeniyi expressed deep gratitude to the Customs community, noting that the honour reflected collective contributions and hard-earned credibility. He pointed to implementing strategic reforms and modernisation tools that have improved Nigeria’s Customs operations and global standing.
“We are an active member of WCO and have much to offer. I thank all of you for your roles in getting us this far. I want to thank all the departments for making this a reality,” he said.
“The world will see Nigeria as providing meaningful leadership for the World Customs Community. We have to be a model Customs Administration. Customs will also need to reassert itself as an organisation that impacts all the world’s people.”
The CGC reaffirmed his commitment to furthering Nigeria’s leadership in Customs innovation and governance, stressing that his election as WCO Council Chair is a personal milestone and a national achievement. He described the role as an opportunity to project the values, reforms, and capabilities of the Nigeria Customs Service on a broader international platform.
