The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has been unanimously elected as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council — the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.
The election took place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, during the concluding session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, becoming the first Nigerian to hold the prestigious position since the organisation’s establishment.
Reacting to the appointment, Adeniyi expressed profound appreciation to Council members for the confidence placed in him, describing the moment as both humbling and historic.
“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 stated. “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 also reaffirmed his commitment to the WCO’s ongoing modernisation initiatives and 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,” Adeniyi added. “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 paid tribute to his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter, whose leadership he credited with providing stability and laying a solid foundation for current and future reforms.
The WCO Council, established by the Convention on the Establishment of a Customs Co-operation Council, governs the organisation’s operations. It sets policy direction for customs administrations across its 185 member states, promoting modernisation, standardisation, and global best practices.
As Chairperson, Adeniyi will lead the WCO Policy Commission, driving strategic discussions on trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation. He will also collaborate closely with WCO Secretary-General Ian Saunders and the WCO Secretariat to ensure effective implementation of the organisation’s strategic goals.
Beyond governance, the Chairperson plays a key diplomatic role, representing the WCO at global forums and strengthening relationships with external partners such as the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG), donor agencies, and multilateral trade institutions.
In a symbolic ceremony following his election, the South African flag was lowered and the Nigerian flag hoisted at the WCO headquarters — a moment met with resounding applause, underscoring Nigeria’s growing influence in international customs affairs.
Under Adeniyi’s leadership, Nigeria is poised to advance key customs reform discussions across the Global South, particularly in areas such as the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), combating illicit trade, and adopting innovative technologies in border management.
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