CGC Bashir Adeniyi was chosen unanimously as Chairperson of the WCO Council, the highest decision-making body in global customs administration, just two years after President Bola Tinubu made his historic appointment as Comptroller-General of Customs at a meeting of the WCO Council in Brussels in June 2023.
The 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings, which took place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, were held as part of the final session.
The South African Revenue Service Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, is succeeded by CGC Adeniyi, who becomes the first Nigerian to hold this prestigious position since the WCO’s founding.
CGC Adeniyi responded to the appointment by thanking the Council members for their trust in his leadership, describing the experience as historic and humbling for both Nigeria and the African Customs community as a whole.
He said, “This honor is not my own; it is a reflection of the Nigeria Customs Service’s collective progress and the transformative agenda we have pursued over the past two years.” In response to the complex realities of global trade, I pledge to uphold the WCO’s core values while also encouraging innovation, equity, and greater collaboration among member states.
Additionally, CGC Adeniyi thanked the Council for choosing him as chair. He affirmed his unwavering support for the World Customs Organization’s ongoing modernization efforts and his commitment to the implementation of its strategic plan for 2025-2028.
Adeniyi continued, “We are at a critical point in the evolution of global trade, where customs must strike a balance between sovereignty and cooperation, transparency with innovation, and facilitation with enforcement.” Working closely with member administrations and stakeholders to make the WCO a dynamic, forward-thinking institution that is appropriate for the challenges of today.
CGC also applauded the guidance and stability that his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter, had provided to the Council, and commended his efforts. He cited the solid foundations that his administration had for the success of the current reforms. The CGC added that he was confident in the Council’s upcoming sessions and that he was ready to encourage meaningful dialogue and progress among the world’s customs community.
The Convention on the Establishment of a Customs Co-operation Council established the WCO Council as the organization’s supreme governing body. Its primary goal is to promote global best practices, uniformity, and modernization among the customs administrations. The Council is informed by all WCO working bodies, whose policy decisions govern the activities of the 185 member states’ customs administrations.
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CGC Adeniyi is expected to lead the WCO Policy Commission in a strategic manner, leading the global trade agenda, and facilitating cross-border cooperation and digital transformation discussions.
He will also work closely with the WCO Secretariat, Mr. Ian Saunders, and Mr. Ian Saunders, to ensure that the organization’s Strategic Plan is carried out while supporting greater inclusivity, capacity expansion, and sustainability in customs operations, especially in developing nations.
The Chairperson also plays a significant diplomatic function, strengthening relationships with external partners, including the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG), international donor organizations, and multilateral trade organizations, as well as representing the WCO at high-level global forums.
The South African flag was respectfully lowered shortly after the Council Session while the Nigerian flag was hoisted at the WCO headquarters, a powerful gesture recognizing Nigeria’s leadership as Chair of the Council. This symbolic moment captured the significance of Nigeria’s ascent. Delegates applauded the scene, confirming Nigeria’s expanding influence in global customs affairs and praising the continent in its own right.
Source: Channels TV
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