Adeniyi Takes Over as Chair of World Customs Organisation Council

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Comptroller-General of Nigeria’s Customs, CGC Adewale Adeniyi has been unanimously elected as Chairperson, World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.

His appointment into the highest decision-making body in global customs administration comes exactly two years after his historic appointment as the Comptroller-General of Customs by President Bol Tinubu

The election was held during the concluding session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held on Saturday, 28th June 2025, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels.

CGC Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, and becomes the first Nigerian to hold this prestigious office since the WCO’s establishment.

Reacting to the appointment, CGC Adeniyi expressed profound appreciation to the Council members for the confidence reposed in his leadership.

He described the moment as both humbling and historic for Nigeria and the African Customs community at large.

CGC Adeniyi pledged unwavering support for the World Customs Organisation’s ongoing modernisation efforts and affirmed his commitment to implementing its 2025–2028 strategic plan.

As Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi is expected to provide strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission, steering the global customs agenda and facilitating high-level discussions on trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation.

He will also work closely with the WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, and the WCO Secretariat to ensure implementation of the organisation’s Strategic Plan, while championing greater inclusivity, capacity development, and sustainability in customs operations, particularly for developing countries.

The Chairperson also plays a key diplomatic role, representing the WCO at high-level global fora and strengthening relationships with external partners such as the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG), international donor bodies, and multilateral trade institutions.

Under CG Adeniyi’s chairmanship, Nigeria is poised to drive customs reform conversations across the Global South, especially in areas like AfCFTA implementation, illicit trade suppression, and technology adoption.