June 29, 2025
By Adedoja Adesoji
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, a Yoruba man and Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, has been elected Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, marking a historic milestone for Nigeria and the African Customs community.
“I am deeply grateful for my election as Chairperson of the Council,” Adeniyi said.
“I want to acknowledge the exceptional work of my predecessor, whose guidance and stability provided strong leadership for the Council.”
Adeniyi’s appointment is significant, as he becomes the first Nigerian to head the 73-year-old organisation with 186 member countries.
“Specifically, I hope to build on the progress made so far in the development of the Strategic Plan for 2025-2028 and I look forward to working with the Secretariat and the Vice-Chairs towards its diligent implementation and WCO modernisation,” he added.
President Bola Tinubu congratulated Adeniyi on his achievement, praising his leadership and reforms in the Nigeria Customs Service.
“I congratulate the Customs boss for bringing pride and validation to our country and the economic reforms,” Tinubu said.
“I urge the new Chairperson of the WCO to live up to the expectation of the WCO Council and even surpass it.”
As Chairperson, Adeniyi will provide strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission, focusing on trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation.
His tenure begins on July 1, 2025, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.
