The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has been elected Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, becoming the first Nigerian to hold the position since the WCO’s inception.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Saturday by the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada. Adeniyi was elected during the 145th/146th sessions of the WCO Council held at the organisation’s headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
His election comes exactly two years after his appointment as Comptroller General of Customs by President Bola Tinubu.
Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, and now assumes leadership of the WCO’s highest decision-making body, which oversees customs operations across 185 member nations.
Reacting to the appointment, Adeniyi expressed deep gratitude to the council members for entrusting him with the role, describing it as a significant milestone for both Nigeria and the African Customs community.
“This honour is not mine alone. It represents the collective efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service and our commitment to reform and innovation,” he said.
“I am humbled by this opportunity and will work to advance the WCO’s mission by fostering equity, innovation, and enhanced global cooperation in customs practices.”
He pledged strong support for the WCO’s 2025–2028 strategic plan, vowing to help shape modern, responsive customs systems capable of addressing the evolving demands of global trade.
“We are entering a pivotal era in international trade, where customs must carefully balance facilitation and enforcement,” Adeniyi noted.
“I am committed to guiding the WCO through this transition, ensuring we adapt to today’s challenges with vision and unity.”
The CGC also paid tribute to his predecessor, Kieswetter, praising his leadership and the solid groundwork laid for the organisation’s ongoing reforms.
In his new role, Adeniyi will provide strategic direction for the WCO Policy Commission, overseeing discussions on key areas such as trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, border security, digital transformation, and international cooperation.
The WCO Council serves as the global body’s supreme authority, driving customs harmonisation, modernisation, and best practices among its members. All WCO technical and working committees report to the Council, whose resolutions shape customs policies and operations worldwide.
Adeniyi’s election is widely regarded as a significant step for Nigeria’s customs sector and a boost to Africa’s voice in global trade governance.
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