World Customs Organization Election: AMJON Commends WCO for Electing Nigeria’s Comptroller General as New Chairperson

By Raheem Ibrahim

The Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) has commended the World Customs Organization (WCO) for unanimously electing Nigeria’s Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as the new chairperson of the global customs body.

In a congratulatory message, AMJON described Adeniyi’s election as a deserving recognition of his exceptional, purposeful, impactful, and dedicated leadership over the past two years.

In a statement signed by AMJON President, Comrade Kelvin Kagbare, he said:

“Indeed, his election accentuates his outstanding achievements and visionary leadership as a career Customs officer who rose through the ranks and spent a greater part of his career as the image maker of the NCS.

“Within this short time in office, CGC Adeniyi has facilitated trade, achieved astronomical revenue generation, improved staff welfare, and strengthened the country’s border security.

“We can affirm that his commitment to modernising customs administration and enhancing maritime trade has earned him this global appointment.

“As the foremost maritime journalists’ association in Nigeria, AMJON is proud to felicitate with him at this auspicious moment and express our appreciation for his efforts in upscaling the image of the Nigeria Customs Service through regular stakeholder engagements and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects across the country.”

The statement further noted:

“By his election as the chairperson of this 73-year-old global customs policy-making body, his expertise and experience will undoubtedly benefit the global customs community, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigerian economy.

“We are confident that his leadership will foster cooperation, modernisation, and capacity building among member countries, ultimately enhancing international trade and global economic development.

“His tenure, no doubt, will promote Nigeria’s interests and perspectives in global customs discussions, strengthen regional cooperation and integration, facilitate trade, and foster knowledge-sharing among member nations.

“His election is a proud moment for Nigeria and the maritime community, demonstrating the country’s growing influence in global affairs,” Kagbare added.

He further assured that AMJON believes CGC Adeniyi’s leadership will inspire positive change and drive meaningful progress in the customs profession worldwide.

While appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reposing confidence in Adeniyi, Comrade Kelvin added:

“We extend our gratitude to the Secretary-General and WCO leadership for unanimously making the right decision in electing him.

“Once again, hearty congratulations to CGC Adeniyi on this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of his leadership on the global customs community,” he concluded.