In a landmark event for Nigeria and the African customs community, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has been elected as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, marking a significant achievement two years after his historic appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
The election took place during the closing session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held on Saturday, 28th June 2025, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, solidifying Nigeria’s influential role in global customs administration.
CGC Adeniyi received unanimous support from the Council members, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, and making history as the first Nigerian to hold this esteemed position since the WCO’s inception. His election is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the collective achievements of the Nigeria Customs Service under his leadership.
In response to his appointment, CGC Adeniyi expressed heartfelt gratitude to the WCO Council members, acknowledging the trust placed in him. He characterized this moment as both humbling and historic, not just for himself but for Nigeria and the broader African continent. “This honor 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 stated. He committed to upholding the core values of the WCO, emphasizing innovation, equity, and the need for deeper collaboration among member states to confront the complex realities of global trade.
Further reflecting on his ambitions as Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi reiterated his dedication to supporting the WCO’s ongoing modernization efforts while committing to the implementation of its 2025-2028 strategic plan. He acknowledged the critical phase in global trade evolution and the imperative for customs to balance facilitation and enforcement, transparency and innovation, as well as sovereignty and cooperation. “I intend to work closely with member administrations and stakeholders to position the WCO as a dynamic, forward-looking institution, ready to address today’s challenges,” he explained.
In his remarks, CGC Adeniyi also paid tribute to the valuable contributions of his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter. He emphasized the significant guidance and stability Kieswetter provided during his tenure, which laid a robust foundation for the ongoing reforms within the Council. Expressing confidence in the upcoming sessions, the CGC committed to facilitating meaningful dialogue and fostering progress among the global customs community.
The WCO Council serves as the supreme governing body of the organization, established by the Convention on the Establishment of a Customs Co-operation Council. Its core mandate revolves around promoting uniformity, modernization, and the adoption of global best practices among customs administrations. Policy decisions made by the Council influence the operations of customs authorities across its 185 member states, creating a framework for international cooperation and trade facilitation.
As the newly elected Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi is poised to offer strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission, directing the global customs agenda and guiding high-level discussions on critical issues such as trade facilitation, revenue optimization, security, cross-border cooperation, and the imperative of digital transformation in customs operations.
Additionally, he will collaborate closely with the WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, and the WCO Secretariat to ensure the effective implementation of the organization’s Strategic Plan. Adeniyi aims to champion greater inclusivity, bolster capacity development, and advocate for sustainable practices within customs operations, particularly benefiting developing nations.
In a symbolic gesture reminiscent of Nigeria’s new era in leadership, the South African flag was respectfully lowered to mark the conclusion of Kieswetter’s term, while the Nigerian flag was raised at the WCO headquarters. This moment was met with applause from delegates, symbolizing Nigeria’s ascent in global customs affairs and serving as a proud moment for the African continent.
Under CGC Adeniyi’s chairmanship, Nigeria is strategically positioned to influence customs reform discussions across the Global South, focusing on critical areas such as the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the suppression of illicit trade, and the adoption of advanced technologies in customs practices. This leadership role holds immense promise for fostering collaboration and driving innovation in the global customs landscape.