Nigeria’s Customs Boss, Bashir Adeniyi, Elected Chairperson of World Customs Organization
In a landmark achievement for Nigeria and the Africa Customs community, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has been formally elected as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council. His tenure begins on July 1, 2025.
The election was confirmed during the 145th/146th Sessions of the WCO Council held in Brussels, Belgium, under the outgoing Chairperson Mr. Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service. The WCO Council comprises the heads of 186 Customs administrations worldwide and serves as the apex decision-making body of the organization.
Expressing his appreciation after the endorsement, Mr. Adeniyi said: “I am deeply grateful for my election as Chairperson of the Council. I want to acknowledge the exceptional work of my predecessor, whose guidance and stability provided strong leadership for the Council. 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.”
The Secretary General of the WCO, Mr. Ian Saunders, congratulated the Nigerian Customs chief on his new role, describing it as timely for the organization’s next phase of transformation.
“My deepest congratulations go to Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on his election as Council Chairperson, and I look forward to engaging closely with him as we work to ensure the WCO is fit to navigate the evolving global Customs landscape,” Saunders said. “I would also like to express my appreciation to Mr. Edward Kieswetter during his tenure, where the WCO’s modernization plan evolved from concept to delivery.”
During the session, the Council also appointed new regional Vice-Chairs for the Europe Region (United Kingdom) and the East and Southern Africa Region (South Africa), marking a strategic reshuffling at the global leadership level of the organization.
As Chairperson, Mr. Adeniyi will play a critical role in convening and guiding the collective decisions of the WCO Council — steering its direction, mediating diverse member perspectives, and ensuring coherence in its activities in line with global Customs trends and modernisation goals.
His election represents a significant milestone for Nigeria, as it positions the country at the center of global Customs policymaking and cooperation. Read More
