Bashir Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs in Nigeria, has been unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.
The election was held during the concluding session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held on Saturday, 28th June 2025, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels.
Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, and becomes the first Nigerian to hold this prestigious office since the WCO’s establishment.
Reacting to the appointment, CGC Adeniyi expressed profound appreciation to the Council members for the confidence reposed 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,” he said.
“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 added.
Adeniyi also expressed gratitude to the Council for electing him the Chairperson.
He pledged unwavering support for the World Customs Organisation’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, ” he said.
This historic appointment marks a significant milestone for Nigeria and the African Customs community.
Adeniyi becomes the first Nigerian to hold this prestigious office since the WCO’s establishment, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.
As Chairperson, Adeniyi would provide strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission, steering the global customs agenda and facilitating high-level discussions on critical issues such as trade facilitation, revenue optimization, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation.
Nigeria is poised to lead customs reform conversations across the Global South, particularly in areas such as AfCFTA implementation, illicit trade suppression, and technology adoption.
Adeniyi pledged unwavering support for the WCO’s ongoing modernization efforts and affirmed his commitment to implementing its 2025-2028 strategic plan, promoting innovation, equity, and deeper collaboration among member states.
He aimed to position the WCO as a dynamic, forward-looking institution fit for today’s challenges, working closely with member administrations and stakeholders.
Adeniyi would champion greater inclusivity, capacity development, and sustainability in customs operations, particularly for developing countries ¹ ².
A symbolic moment marked Nigeria’s ascension to the chairmanship, with the South African flag being respectfully lowered and the Nigerian flag hoisted at the WCO headquarters, met with applause from delegates.
