The former National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Wale Adeniyi, has assumed duties as the new Comptroller-General of Customs, in an Acting role.
Adeniyi, prior to his appointment was the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Strategic Research and Policy.
He replaces Col. Hahmeed Ali (rtd), a retired military officer at the helmsman of the service, who was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.
Adeniyi has over 30 years of experience in Customs Administration in the area of Strategic and operational responsibilities. He possesses a deep understanding of the complex and constantly evolving international trade landscape. He has a strong command of Customs regulations, laws, and procedures as well as the ability to navigate and adapt to changing policies and regulations.
He has demonstrated excellent communication and leadership skills responsible for leading teams of customs officials, and working closely with stakeholders across a variety of industries.
The new Customs boss has built strong relationships with stakeholders and collaborated effectively to ensure efficient and effective movement of goods across borders, over the course of his career. He has a keen eye for details and the ability to identify potential risks and areas of non-compliance. This is evident in effective risk management strategies, guidance, and support developed and implemented for his teams to ensure that all customs procedures are followed accurately and efficiently.
He is dedicated to promoting trade and economic growth while ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Adeniyi is known to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. He is also committed to continuously improving his knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the ever-changing Customs landscape.
He coordinates engagements with International Organizations including; World Customs Organization (WCO), World Trade Organization (WTO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF). He also sees to the coordination of Customs bilateral and multilateral trade relations and others.
He was conferred with a National Honour of the Member of the Order of Federal Republic (MFR) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2022.
Adeniyi became a Fellow, of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in August 2022.
He bagged the Comptroller–General of Customs Award for the seizure of $8,065,612 million cash at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, in January 2020 and a Large College Crest Award for Excellence in Service as Deputy Commandant, NCCSC Gwagwalada in December 2019.
He was also a recipient of the World Customs Organization Award of Excellence as Project Team Leader, Securité Par Collaboration (SPC++), a Customs Regional Security Project, in January 2018.
He also bagged the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Presidential Award, April 2018.
Other awards are; Joint winner of the Burson –Marsteller Award for the Best Research Project on “Reputation Management in Nigeria Customs Service” in partial fulfillment of the award of Masters of Science in Communications, USI, Lugano Switzerland, November 2013 and Best Customs Public Relations Officer 2004 – 2007.
He possesses a deep understanding of the complex and constantly-evolving international trade landscape and Strong command of customs regulations, laws, and procedures.
He is an alumnus of Universitaire Svizzera D’Italiana (USI) – Lugano—Switzerland where he bagged a Master of Arts in Communication Science in November 2013.
He also attended Obafemi Awolowo University – Ile-Ife where he bagged a Bachelor of Science in International Relations in June 1987.
He attended Modakeke High School – Modakeke for his SSCE which he obtained in June 1979.
