The Centre for Ethical Conduct, Orientation and Empowerment (CECOE) has described the recent appointment of comptroller general of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, as a “monumental milestone” for Nigeria.
The coordinator of the Centre for Ethical Conduct, Orientation and Empowerment (CECOE), Dr. David Owah, disclosed this at a press briefing held yesterday in Abuja.
Owah emphasised that this historic development not only boosts national pride but significantly uplifts Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.
He stated that Adeniyi’s emergence as WCO Council Chairperson—an unprecedented achievement since the Council’s establishment in 1953—reflects Nigeria’s increasing credibility in shaping global customs administration. “This is not just a personal victory; it is a profound national triumph,” he declared, noting that the appointment confirms the country’s competence and leadership capacity in international trade governance.
The CECOE coordinator linked Adeniyi’s elevation directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating it was a testament to the President’s commitment to merit-based leadership and institutional reforms. “This is a solid endorsement of President Tinubu’s governance philosophy that insists on measurable results and ethical leadership,” he said.
According to Dr. Owah, CG Adeniyi’s tenure at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has already seen far-reaching reforms.
He listed major accomplishments including record-breaking revenue generation, enhanced anti-smuggling efforts, the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies, and stronger international collaborations.
“These reforms have improved business efficiency and boosted national revenue,” he noted.
Dr. Owah stressed that continuity in leadership is essential to sustain and institutionalise these gains. He argued that CG Adeniyi’s current global role offers Nigeria an opportunity to shape international customs policies, and that maintaining his leadership at home is of strategic national importance. “Interrupting this momentum now would be counterproductive,” he warned.
Highlighting the advantages of retaining CG Adeniyi, Dr. Owah pointed to seamless policy alignment, rapid adoption of global innovations, and stronger negotiating power in international trade. “Nigeria must now think beyond short-term politics and act in the interest of long-term strategic positioning,” he urged.
The CECOE boss called on the federal government to grant CG Adeniyi a tenure extension, asserting that the request is not political but patriotic. “It is about rewarding competence, consolidating reforms, and maximising Nigeria’s global leverage,” he explained.
Owah further appealed to stakeholders across sectors to support the call for leadership continuity in the Nigeria Customs Service. “We must not only celebrate this achievement but also protect and build upon it,” he added.
He also applauded President Tinubu for his bold and merit-based appointments, noting that CG Adeniyi’s performance proves that empowering capable Nigerians yields global recognition. “The world is watching Nigeria—and they’re seeing excellence,” Dr. Owah declared.
Owah also hailed CG Adeniyi on behalf of CECOE and all Nigerians who believe in ethical and visionary leadership. “Let us consolidate these historic gains,” he said, “and position Nigeria for even greater achievements in global governance.”
