Nigeria has recorded a major diplomatic and institutional milestone as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was unanimously elected Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council the highest decision-making body in international customs administration.
The election, held on Saturday, 28th June 2025, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels during the concluding session of the 145th/146th Council Meetings, marked a historic moment for Nigeria and Africa. Adeniyi becomes the first Nigerian to occupy the position since the WCO’s establishment, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.
Reacting to the development, CGC Adeniyi described his election as both humbling and historic, noting that it reflected not only a personal honour but also a recognition of Nigeria’s progress in customs administration and reforms over the last two years.
He said the development signified a collective achievement of the Nigeria Customs Service and the broader African customs community, promising to uphold the WCO’s core values while promoting innovation, inclusivity, and enhanced cooperation among member states.
Adeniyi further pledged support for the organisation’s ongoing modernisation drive and strategic direction, especially its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan. He highlighted the need for customs systems to respond effectively to the evolving challenges of global trade by balancing facilitation and enforcement, and fostering greater trust through transparency and technological innovation.
Acknowledging the role of his predecessor, Adeniyi commended Edward Kieswetter for providing visionary leadership that has laid a strong foundation for continuity and reform. He expressed readiness to work with the WCO Secretary-General, Mr. Ian Saunders, and the Secretariat to ensure effective implementation of the organisation’s policies.
The WCO Council, created by the Convention establishing a Customs Co-operation Council, served as the supreme governing body of the WCO and set global standards and policy directions for customs administrations across its 185 member countries.
As Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi is expected to lead global discussions on key issues such as trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, cross-border security, and digital transformation. His role also includes representing the WCO in high-level engagements with international trade partners, private sector stakeholders, and donor agencies.
In a symbolic gesture after the election, the South African flag was lowered while the Nigerian flag was hoisted at the WCO headquarters, a moment that drew resounding applause from delegates and signified Nigeria’s new leadership position on the global customs stage.
With Adeniyi’s election, Nigeria is positioned to play a strategic role in driving customs reform across the Global South, particularly in advancing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), curbing illicit trade, and fostering technology-driven border management systems.
