Historic Milestone: World Customs Organisation Elects CGC Adeniyi as Council Chairperson
As Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi is expected to provide strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission, steering the global customs agenda and facilitating high-level discussions on trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation.
The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has elected the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as the Chairperson of its Council.
CGC Adeniyi was unanimously elected to lead the highest decision-making body in global customs administration during the concluding session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Nigeria’s Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, becoming the first Nigerian to hold this prestigious office since the WCO’s establishment.
Reacting to his election, Adeniyi expressed profound gratitude to the Council members for their confidence in his leadership, describing the moment as both humbling and historic for Nigeria and the African Customs community at large.
“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. 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,” he stated.
He pledged to support the WCO’s ongoing modernisation efforts and affirmed his commitment to 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. 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,” the CGC said.
Adeniyi also acknowledged the commendable leadership of his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter, for the guidance and stability he provided to the Council, noting that his tenure laid a solid foundation for ongoing reforms to thrive.
He expressed optimism about the upcoming Council sessions and affirmed his readiness to facilitate meaningful dialogue and progress across the global customs community.
The WCO Council is the organisation’s supreme governing body, established by the Convention on the Establishment of a Customs Co-operation Council. Its core mandate is to promote uniformity, modernisation, and global best practices among customs administrations. All WCO working bodies report to the Council, whose policy decisions guide the operations of customs administrations across its 185 member states.
As Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi is expected to provide strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission, steering the global customs agenda and facilitating high-level discussions on trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation.
He will also work closely with the WCO Secretary-General, Mr. Ian Saunders, and the WCO Secretariat to ensure implementation of the organisation’s strategic plan, while championing greater inclusivity, capacity development, and sustainability in customs operations, particularly for developing countries.
The Chairperson also plays a key diplomatic role, representing the WCO at high-level global fora and strengthening relationships with external partners such as the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG), international donor bodies, and multilateral trade institutions.
Shortly after the Council Session, in a symbolic moment marking Nigeria’s elevation, the South African flag was respectfully lowered while the Nigerian flag was hoisted at the WCO headquarters, a powerful gesture signifying Nigeria’s leadership as Chair of the Council. The scene was met with applause from delegates, affirming Nigeria’s growing influence in global customs affairs and marking a proud moment for the continent.
With CGC Adeniyi as Chairperson of WCO’s Council, Nigeria is set to spearhead customs reform discussions in the Global South, focusing on AfCFTA implementation, combatting illicit trade, and embracing technology.
