World Customs Organization Elects New Chairperson

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, has been formally endorsed as the new Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, effective from 1 July 2025. With the endorsement, Adeniyi takes over from outgoing Chairperson Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service. The new Chairperson has expressed his gratitude and commitment to building on the progress made in the development of the Strategic Plan for 2025-2028. WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders has congratulated Adeniyi on his election and expressed his appreciation for Kieswetter's tenure, during which the WCO's modernization plan was developed.

Key Takeaways:

• The World Customs Organization (WCO) Council has formally endorsed Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, as its new Chairperson, effective from 1 July 2025.
• Adeniyi replaces outgoing Chairperson Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, who had completed his maximum two-year term.
• The WCO Council, comprising 186 Customs administrations, convenes once a year to make final decisions regarding the Organization's work and activities.
• The Chairperson plays a crucial role in bringing together Members' views to guide the work of the global Customs community.
• The new Chairperson has pledged to build on the progress made in the development of the Strategic Plan for 2025-2028 and implement it in collaboration with the Secretariat and the Vice-Chairs.
• The WCO's modernization plan has made significant progress during Kieswetter's tenure, evolving from concept to delivery.
• New regional Vice-Chairs have been appointed for the WCO Europe Region (United Kingdom) and for the East and Southern Africa Region (South Africa).

The WCO's modernization plan is a key development that has taken significant strides during Kieswetter's tenure, with Saunders expressing his appreciation for the progress made. Adeniyi's commitment to building on this progress and implementing the Strategic Plan will be crucial in navigating the evolving global Customs landscape.

Statistics:

• 186 Customs administrations are members of the WCO Council.
• The WCO Council Chairperson serves for a maximum of two years.
• The new Chairperson, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, will take office on 1 July 2025.
• 1 July 2025 is the date when Adeniyi's term as Chairperson begins.

Sources:

• World Customs Organization, press release, no date or publication date provided
• [ Reference: Official WCO website ]