Nigeria Takes a Strategic Stage on Global Level as FRSC, Customs Secure Leading International Roles.
By Raymond Enoch
In a major diplomatic and professional triumph for Nigeria, two of the nation’s leading institutions—the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)—have secured historic international leadership positions, underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence in global trade, customs governance, and road safety management.
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, mni, led the nation’s commendations with a heartfelt congratulatory message to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, on his emergence as Chairperson of the prestigious World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.
The recognition, hailed as a landmark achievement, marks the first time a Nigerian has ascended to the apex of global customs administration. In a press statement issued by Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, mni, FISPON, anipr—the Corps Public Education Officer at FRSC Headquarters, Abuja—the Corps Marshal described CG Adeniyi’s election as a bold testament to Nigeria’s leadership potential and growing diplomatic capital.
“The emergence of CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi as Chairperson of the WCO Council is not only a personal accomplishment but a national pride,” Shehu Mohammed said. “It reflects Nigeria’s competence and the confidence the international community reposes in our capacity to contribute meaningfully to global governance in trade and customs management.”
According to the Corps Marshal, the Comptroller General’s appointment is a recognition of his “visionary leadership, steadfast commitment to excellence, and relentless efforts in transforming the Nigeria Customs Service into a model of professionalism, innovation, and operational efficiency across the continent.”
In a related development that further indicates Nigeria’s international standing, the Federal Road Safety Corps has emerged as the Permanent Secretariat of the African Association of all Road Safety Lead Agencies (AARSLA)—a continental body that coordinates road safety policies and partnerships across African nations.
The Corps Marshal celebrated this achievement as a breakthrough moment, asserting that FRSC’s new position as the nerve center of Africa’s road safety initiatives will significantly bolster Nigeria’s influence on the continent.
“This is another indubitable evidence of Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage, particularly in customs administration, road safety management, traffic administration, and trade facilitation,” he said.
He noted that the strategic position will enable FRSC to drive cross-border initiatives, promote evidence-based safety practices, and help countries align with the United Nations’ Decade of Action for Road Safety targets.
With these back-to-back milestones, Nigeria is now poised to play a pivotal role in shaping both the trade facilitation landscape and transportation safety framework across Africa and beyond. Analysts say the dual achievements reflect a wider trend of Nigeria’s re-emergence as a continental powerhouse in governance, policy development, and institutional reform.
“These victories are not just symbolic—they open up real avenues for bilateral and multilateral collaborations, technical assistance, and regional integration efforts,” said an official familiar with the developments.
The Corps Marshal also took the opportunity to thank President and Commander-in-Chief, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what he called “the enabling environment and unwavering support” that has empowered key institutions like FRSC and NCS to flourish on the international front.
He concluded by reaffirming FRSC’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency synergy, particularly with the Nigeria Customs Service, as both institutions navigate their enhanced global responsibilities.
“Together, we will continue to build a safer, more prosperous, and respected Nigeria—one that leads not just at home, but on the world stage,” the Corps Marshal declared.
