Nigeria has reinforced its growing influence in global customs administration following the unanimous re-election of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.
The decision was taken during the organisation's 147th and 148th Council sessions in Brussels, Belgium, giving Adeniyi a second term at the helm of the WCO's highest decision-making body.
His re-election comes a year after he became the first Nigerian to lead the Council since the organisation was established in 1953, reflecting continued confidence from customs administrations worldwide in his leadership and reform agenda.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the federal government described the unanimous endorsement as recognition of both Adeniyi's leadership and Nigeria's expanding role in global customs administration.
The statement highlighted reforms introduced under Adeniyi at the Nigeria Customs Service, including improved revenue generation, stronger border security, enhanced trade facilitation and the modernisation of customs operations through the homegrown B'Odogwu platform. It said the system is simplifying cargo clearance, reducing dependence on foreign platforms, improving transparency and supporting the government's drive towards a technology-driven economy.
The government also noted progress in anti-smuggling operations, border management, stakeholder engagement, the implementation of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, expanded use of non-intrusive inspection technology, stronger inter-agency collaboration and continued alignment with international customs standards.
According to the statement, the recent extension of Adeniyi's tenure as Comptroller-General was intended to sustain the momentum of these reforms, while his renewed WCO mandate is expected to strengthen international cooperation and promote more secure and efficient global trade.
The re-election comes weeks after Adeniyi disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service had expanded its international engagement through structured partnerships with more than 20 customs administrations. The collaborations focus on knowledge sharing, capacity building and operational cooperation to improve border security, facilitate legitimate trade and boost revenue generation.
On June 19, the federal government approved a further six-month extension of Adeniyi's tenure as Comptroller-General of Customs. The extension followed an earlier renewal granted in July 2025, which was due to expire on August 1, 2026.
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