By ZAKAA LAZARUS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Comptroller-General Customs Service (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on the occasion of his birthday, describing his tenure as one marked by impactful reforms and sustained institutional transformation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, 18 January 2026, and signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President congratulated the CGC on the milestone, noting that it reflects decades of dedicated service to the nation and a reform-driven leadership that has repositioned the Nigeria Customs Service.
According to the statement, President Tinubu acknowledged that under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, the NCS has continued its transition into a globally competitive and relevant Customs administration, a progress he said was further underscored by the Comptroller-General’s election as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council in June 2025.
“The President notes the remarkable reforms that have repositioned the Nigeria Customs Service and elevated Nigeria’s standing within the global Customs community,” the statement said.
The President also commended the Customs boss for projecting Nigeria and Africa on the global stage through what he described as inclusive, practical and charismatic leadership at the WCO, including efforts to mobilise Customs administrations and critical stakeholders towards the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through the Customs Partnership of African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) platform.
President Tinubu affirmed that the internal reforms introduced by the Comptroller-General, particularly in the areas of automation, digitisation, capacity building and high-level international engagement, have translated into measurable improvements in trade facilitation, revenue collection and border security.
According to him, “the ongoing transformation within the Service reflects purposeful leadership and a deliberate drive to position Nigeria Customs as a model institution in Africa and beyond.”
He added that CGC Adeniyi’s leadership has also contributed to improved community relations, consistent surpassing of revenue targets, stronger trade partnerships with countries and multilateral institutions, and enhanced security across Nigeria’s borders, noting that “these achievements underscore the value of reform-oriented leadership in strengthening national economic resilience and safeguarding our borders.”
“As the Comptroller-General marks another year, the President prays that the Almighty God grants him continued strength, good health and wisdom to further serve the nation,” the statement concluded.
