Joyce Mmereole Okoli
In a landmark moment for Nigeria and the African continent, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has been unanimously elected as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, the apex decision making body guiding customs operations across 185 member nations.
The announcement came during the concluding session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held at the WCO headquarters in Brussels. Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter, South Africa’s Revenue Service Commissioner, becoming the first Nigerian to ever occupy this high profile global position since the WCO’s inception.
Speaking on his election, Adeniyi described the moment as “both humbling and historic,” highlighting it as a milestone not just for Nigeria, but for the African Customs community as a whole.
“This honour reflects the collective progress of the Nigeria Customs Service and the transformative agenda we’ve pursued,” he remarked.
The CGC pledged to champion innovation, equity, and deeper collaboration among member states during what he termed a “critical phase in the evolution of global trade.”
He affirmed his commitment to the WCO’s 2025–2028 strategic plan, while calling for a balance between enforcement and facilitation in a rapidly changing trade landscape.
A symbolic flag hoisting ceremony followed the appointment, as the South African flag was lowered and the Nigerian flag raised at the WCO headquarters. An iconic gesture met with applause from global delegates.
In his role as Chairperson, Adeniyi will steer high-level global discussions on trade facilitation, digital transformation, revenue optimization, and cross-border security, working closely with WCO Secretary-General Ian Saunders and the Policy Commission.
He is also expected to advocate for capacity development and increased inclusivity, especially for developing nations.
As Nigeria takes center stage in global customs leadership, CGC Adeniyi’s tenure is set to amplify Africa’s voice in shaping the future of international trade.