By Nnasom David

The Centre for Ethical Conduct, Orientation and Empowerment (CECOE) has described the recent appointment of Nigeria’s Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council as a “monumental milestone” for the country.

Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, the Coordinator of CECOE, Dr. David Owah, said the historic appointment not only elevates national pride but also underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in global trade and customs administration.

“This is not just a personal victory; it is a profound national triumph,” Dr. Owah said, noting that Adeniyi’s emergence as the first Nigerian—and indeed the first African in decades—to hold the position since the WCO Council’s establishment in 1953 is a testament to the nation’s competence and rising credibility on the global stage.

Owah linked Adeniyi’s elevation directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as proof of 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.

Highlighting achievements under Adeniyi’s leadership at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Owah cited unprecedented revenue generation, enhanced anti-smuggling operations, digital transformation, and strengthened global partnerships as evidence of far-reaching reforms that have boosted national revenue and business efficiency.

To sustain these gains, the CECOE boss called for continuity in customs leadership, arguing that Adeniyi’s continued service at home is of strategic national importance, especially now that he occupies a major international position.

“Interrupting this momentum now would be counterproductive,” Owah warned. “Nigeria must now think beyond short-term politics and act in the interest of long-term strategic positioning.”

He urged the federal government to extend CG Adeniyi’s tenure, describing the call as patriotic rather than political.

“It is about rewarding competence, consolidating reforms, and maximising Nigeria’s global leverage,” he said, calling on stakeholders across sectors to rally in support of the move.

Owah also applauded President Tinubu for his bold and merit-driven appointments, affirming that CG Adeniyi’s rise on the international stage proves that empowering capable Nigerians yields global recognition.

“The world is watching Nigeria—and they’re seeing excellence,” he declared.

The CECOE coordinator congratulated CG Adeniyi on behalf of the Centre and millions of Nigerians who believe in ethical, visionary leadership, calling for collective action to protect and build on the historic achievement.

“Let us consolidate these historic gains,” he said, “and position Nigeria for even greater achievements in global governance.”