The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has been elected Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council , the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.
The announcement was made in a statement on Saturday by the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, following Adeniyi’s election during the 145th/146th WCO Council sessions held at the organisation’s headquarters in Brussels.
Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, becoming the first Nigerian to lead the WCO Council since its inception. His election comes two years after his appointment as Comptroller-General by President Bola Tinubu.
In his acceptance remarks, Adeniyi described the election as a “humbling and historic moment” for Nigeria and the African Customs community.
“This honour is not mine alone. It reflects the collective progress of the Nigeria Customs Service and our reform-driven agenda over the past two years. I’m committed to upholding the WCO’s values while fostering innovation, equity, and stronger collaboration among member states,” he said.
Adeniyi also pledged full support for the WCO’s modernisation goals and affirmed his commitment to advancing its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan.
“As customs administrations face increasing global trade complexities, we must balance facilitation with enforcement, and sovereignty with cooperation,” he added, promising to position the WCO as a forward-looking and responsive institution.
He praised his predecessor, Kieswetter, for providing steady leadership and laying a strong foundation for ongoing reforms.
The WCO Council, comprising 185 member states, sets global customs policies and oversees working bodies on matters such as trade facilitation, security, revenue optimisation, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation.
As Chairperson, Adeniyi will steer the WCO Policy Commission and guide strategic decisions shaping the future of customs operations worldwide.
