In a historic win for Nigeria, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, 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 took place during the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels. CGC Adeniyi succeeds South Africa’s Edward Kieswetter and becomes the first Nigerian to occupy the prestigious office since the WCO’s inception.
Nigeria’s Global Influence Strengthens in Customs Leadership
CGC Adeniyi, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in June 2023, described his election as a significant milestone for Nigeria and the African customs community. He thanked WCO members for their trust and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing global trade policies, innovation, and customs cooperation.
“This honour is a collective reflection of the progress made by the Nigeria Customs Service over the last two years,” Adeniyi said. “As Chairperson, I aim to uphold WCO values and foster deeper collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation among member nations.”
Strategic Vision for Global Trade and Customs Reforms
The new Chair pledged support for the WCO’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan and stressed the need for customs authorities worldwide to balance trade facilitation with security and modernization.
Adeniyi also praised his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter, for his impactful leadership, while pledging to build on his legacy by promoting transparency, capacity development, and sustainability in global customs systems.
Symbolic Moment as Nigerian Flag Flies at WCO Headquarters
In a symbolic handover ceremony following the Council session, the Nigerian flag was raised at the WCO headquarters as South Africa’s was respectfully lowered. The moment was met with applause from international delegates, signifying Nigeria’s growing role in shaping global customs and trade policy.
What This Means for Africa and the Global South
As Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi will provide strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission and represent the organization in high-level global forums. His focus areas will include trade facilitation, digital transformation, anti-smuggling enforcement, and support for developing nations—especially in line with AfCFTA goals.
Nigeria’s leadership at the WCO marks a significant diplomatic and economic step forward, reinforcing the country’s commitment to global trade reform, customs modernization, and regional integration.
