Senate Applauds Customs CG Bashir Adeniyi for Global Leadership and Economic Reforms

The Nigerian Senate has commended the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his outstanding leadership and transformative impact on the nation’s economy, following his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council for the 2025–2026 fiscal year.

The commendation came during plenary, where the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Ibrahim Barau, described Adeniyi’s elevation as a historic milestone that positions Nigeria at the forefront of global trade governance.

“This unprecedented achievement not only places Nigeria on the global map but also empowers us to influence international trade flows in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope economic agenda.

“The Senate congratulates Comptroller-General Adeniyi and urges him to continue his exemplary leadership in driving Customs efficiency, transparency, and economic growth,” Senator Barau added.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Senator Isah Jibrin, echoed the sentiments, describing Adeniyi’s election as a culmination of bold and far-reaching reforms implemented within the Customs Service under his stewardship.

“These reforms—ranging from digital modernisation to trade facilitation and revenue optimisation—have repositioned the NCS as a model institution,” he noted. “The global customs community has recognised these efforts, and Nigeria is now setting the pace.”

The Senate further noted the international accolades garnered by the NCS, including a recent commendation by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), who praised Nigeria’s “revolutionary strides in Customs administration” at the WCO Council session in Brussels.

Adeniyi’s unanimous election to the WCO Council—a global body that sets customs standards and policies affecting over 180 countries—marks the first time Nigeria will assume such a prestigious role in the organisation’s history.

The lawmakers said the development reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria’s economic and institutional reforms and charged the Customs CG to sustain the momentum of transformation and innovation.

With Nigeria now steering global customs policy, analysts believe this development will not only enhance the country’s international influence but also attract investment and boost confidence in Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.