Nigeria Assumes Strategic Global Customs Leadership as CGC Adeniyi Elected WCO Council Chairperson
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has been unanimously elected as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council — the organisation’s highest decision-making body.
The historic election took place during the concluding session of the 145th/146th WCO Council meetings on Saturday, 28th June 2025, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, exactly two years after CGC Adeniyi’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as Nigeria’s top customs officer in June 2023.
Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, becoming the first Nigerian to assume the prestigious office since the WCO’s inception.
His election signifies Nigeria’s growing prominence on the global customs stage and underscores the confidence of the international customs community in his reform-driven leadership.
Reacting to the appointment, CGC Adeniyi conveyed deep appreciation to the WCO Council members, describing the election as both “humbling and historic” — not only for Nigeria but also for the African continent.
“This honour is not mine alone; it reflects the collective progress of the Nigeria Customs Service and the transformative agenda we’ve pursued over the past two years,” he remarked. “As Chairperson, I pledge to uphold the core values of the WCO while promoting innovation, equity, and deeper collaboration among member states in response to the complex realities of global trade.”
CGC Adeniyi affirmed his commitment to supporting the WCO’s modernisation efforts and fully implementing its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan.
“We are entering a critical phase in the evolution of global trade, where customs must balance facilitation with enforcement, transparency with innovation, and sovereignty with cooperation,” he said. “I intend to work closely with member administrations and stakeholders to position the WCO as a dynamic, forward-looking institution fit for today’s challenges.”
He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter, commending him for his exemplary leadership and the strong institutional foundation he leaves behind.
In a moment of symbolic significance, the South African flag was ceremonially lowered and the Nigerian flag hoisted at the WCO headquarters, drawing a round of applause from international delegates and marking a proud milestone for Nigeria.
The gesture underscored Nigeria’s assumption of global leadership in customs administration and reflected broader continental pride in the achievement.
As Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi will steer the activities of the WCO Council and Policy Commission, which drive the global customs agenda.
His leadership will focus on key areas such as trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, cross-border security, customs modernisation, digital transformation, and support for developing countries.
He will also work closely with WCO Secretary-General Mr Ian Saunders and the WCO Secretariat to ensure effective implementation of the organisation’s strategic priorities.
Additionally, the Chairperson plays an important diplomatic role, representing the WCO at high-level global platforms and engaging with external partners such as the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG), donor institutions, and multilateral trade organisations.
Under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, Nigeria is expected to champion key issues affecting the Global South, particularly in advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), combating illicit trade, and accelerating the adoption of technology in customs operations.
The WCO Council, established by the Convention on the Establishment of a Customs Co-operation Council, serves as the principal governing body overseeing customs operations in 185 member states.
All WCO working bodies report to the Council, which sets the policy direction for customs modernisation and global best practices.
With this appointment, Nigeria’s customs administration stands at the centre of global customs reform, signalling a new era of strategic leadership for Africa in international trade governance.
