Nigeria's Comptroller-General of Customs Elected as World Customs Organization Council Chairperson

Strategic Insights -

The election of Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR as the new Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council marks a significant milestone for Nigeria and the African customs community. This achievement comes two years after his historic appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The election took place during the closing session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held on June 28, 2025, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels. CGC Adeniyi received unanimous support from the Council members, making history as the first Nigerian to hold this esteemed position since the WCO's inception.

Key Takeaways:

  • CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has been elected as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, the first Nigerian to hold this position since the WCO's inception.
  • He was elected during the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held on June 28, 2025, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels.
  • The election comes two years after his historic appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
  • CGC Adeniyi has emphasized his commitment to upholding the core values of the WCO, including innovation, equity, and collaboration among member states.
  • As Chairperson, he aims to support the WCO's ongoing modernization efforts and implement its 2025-2028 strategic plan.
  • CGC Adeniyi has also committed to facilitating meaningful dialogue and fostering progress among the global customs community.
  • He will work closely with the WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, and the WCO Secretariat to ensure the effective implementation of the organization's Strategic Plan.
  • As the newly elected Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi is poised to offer strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission, directing the global customs agenda and guiding high-level discussions on critical issues.
  • He aims to champion greater inclusivity, bolster capacity development, and advocate for sustainable practices within customs operations, particularly benefiting developing nations.

Statistics:

  • 185 countries are members of the World Customs Organization (WCO).
  • The WCO Council serves as the supreme governing body of the organization, established by the Convention on the Establishment of a Customs Co-operation Council.
  • The Council's core mandate is promoting uniformity, modernization, and the adoption of global best practices among customs administrations.
  • The WCO has a history of more than 70 years of promoting customs cooperation and uniformity among its member countries.
  • The 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings were held on June 28, 2025, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels.

Sources:

  • WCO Headquarters in Brussels
  • World Customs Organization (WCO) Convention on the Establishment of a Customs Co-operation Council