The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has congratulated the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his historic election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), describing his emergence as a testament to the growing influence of public relations in global leadership.
Adeniyi, a Fellow and immediate past Vice President of the NIPR, was elected on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the conclusion of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meeting in Brussels, Belgium.
He becomes the first Nigerian to occupy the top leadership position of the intergovernmental body, which serves as the highest decision-making organ for customs administrations across 185 member countries.
In a congratulatory message issued on Saturday, NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr Ike Neliaku, praised Adeniyi’s elevation, noting that it underscores the strategic importance of public relations in advancing excellence in governance and institutional leadership.
“As a professional body, the NIPR is deeply delighted with your election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation,” Neliaku stated.
“This landmark achievement not only makes history but also affirms that public relations is no longer just a support tool — it has become a key leadership function globally.”
Dr Neliaku added that the NIPR is proud of its members who are placing Nigeria on the global map through the effective deployment of public relations in addressing organisational challenges and enhancing institutional performance.
He expressed confidence that Adeniyi’s leadership at the WCO would usher in innovative reforms and strengthen the organisation’s capacity to engage effectively with the global community.
It is worth recalling that the Customs boss was recently appointed Vice Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), a strategic initiative of the NIPR aimed at reshaping the country’s global image.
