Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR,, Chairperson of the 73 years World Customs Organization (WCO) Council
Nigeria’s maritime journalism community has joined the chorus of national and international voices celebrating the election of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, as Chairperson of the 73 years World Customs Organization (WCO) Council which was established on January 26th, 1953. The journalists hailed the milestone as a proud moment for Nigeria and a validation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visionary leadership.
Adeniyi’s election to the world’s top customs body came during the closing session of the 145th/146th WCO Council meetings on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the WCO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. His emergence, by unanimous vote, makes him the first Nigerian to occupy the position since the organization’s establishment. He succeeds Edward Kieswetter of South Africa.
A Win for Merit and Leadership
The maritime press described the election as a triumph of competence and a global endorsement of Nigeria’s customs reforms under Adeniyi’s stewardship. They credited President Tinubu’s strategic appointment of Adeniyi as Comptroller-General in June 2023 as the foundation for this international success.
“This is a landmark moment that reflects the foresight of President Tinubu in selecting a leader who embodies reform, integrity, and global relevance,” said one industry commentator. “Adeniyi’s rise confirms Nigeria’s leadership potential in global trade affairs.”
Adeniyi Dedicates Victory to Nigeria and Africa
In his acceptance speech, CGC Adeniyi dedicated the honour to the Nigerian people and the African continent. He thanked the WCO Council for their confidence and expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust reposed in him.
“This is a deeply humbling moment,” Adeniyi said. “Our efforts to transform the Nigeria Customs Service are being recognized globally. This honour also highlights Africa’s growing influence in global trade discussions.”
He pledged to champion innovation, inclusiveness, and strategic partnerships among the WCO’s 185 member administrations, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to modern trade realities.
Guiding Global Customs in a Time of Change
As WCO Council Chairperson, Adeniyi will lead critical conversations on trade facilitation, customs security, technological innovation, and revenue optimization. He will work closely with WCO Secretary-General Ian Saunders to implement the organization’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, ensuring that the interests of developing nations, particularly in Africa, are well-represented.
“We must strengthen the balance between trade facilitation and border enforcement,” he said. “The WCO must remain agile in addressing the evolving dynamics of global commerce.”
A Symbolic Shift: Nigeria Takes the Helm
A symbolic highlight of the election was the lowering of the South African flag and the hoisting of Nigeria’s flag at the WCO headquarters, a gesture that drew resounding applause from delegates and signaled Nigeria’s leadership role in shaping the future of global customs.
Adeniyi’s leadership is expected to amplify Africa’s voice in global customs policy, strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and bolster efforts to combat illicit trade and modernize border management through technology.
Nigeria’s Global Customs Leadership Confirmed
The WCO Council is the supreme decision-making organ of the global customs community, tasked with setting standards and driving reforms across its member administrations.
Experts believe Adeniyi’s chairmanship will position Nigeria as a key driver of customs modernization and capacity-building in the Global South.
“This moment places Nigeria at the heart of global trade governance,” a trade analyst observed. “It’s a testament to our leadership capacity and the strength of President Tinubu’s appointments.”
Looking Ahead with Optimism
In his closing remarks, Adeniyi paid tribute to his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter, and called for deeper global collaboration. He promised to promote dialogue and continuous improvement in customs operations worldwide.
The maritime press community concluded their congratulatory messages by describing Adeniyi’s election as not only a personal achievement but also a major diplomatic victory for Nigeria, affirming the nation’s growing stature on the world stage.
@The Ameh News: All Rights Reserved.
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