Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Wale Adeniyi, has been elected Chairman of the World Customs Organisation Council.
The historic election took place yesterday during the concluding session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings at the organization’s headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
The WCO Council, established in 1953 as the highest decision-making body in global customs administration, elected Adeniyi to succeed South Africa’s Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service. This marks the first time a Nigerian will lead the prestigious organization in its 71-year history.
In his acceptance speech, an emotional Adeniyi described the moment as both humbling and historic: “This honour is not mine alone, it reflects the collective progress of the Nigeria Customs Service and the transformative agenda we’ve pursued over the past two years.”
The Customs boss outlined his vision for the role, stating: “As Chairperson, I pledge to uphold the core values of the WCO, while promoting innovation, equity, and deeper collaboration among member states in response to the complex realities of global trade.” He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in his leadership and committed to advancing the WCO’s modernization agenda.
Addressing the challenges ahead, Adeniyi noted: “We are entering a critical phase in the evolution of global trade, where customs must balance facilitation with enforcement, transparency with innovation, and sovereignty with cooperation. I intend to work closely with member administrations and stakeholders to position the WCO as a dynamic, forward-looking institution fit for today’s challenges.”
The new Chairman paid tribute to his predecessor’s legacy, acknowledging the “commendable work” that created a stable foundation for current reforms. He expressed optimism about upcoming Council sessions and his readiness to foster meaningful progress within the global customs community.
As Council Chair, Adeniyi will provide strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission, guiding discussions on trade facilitation, revenue optimization, security, and digital transformation across 185 member states. His role will involve close collaboration with WCO Secretary-General Ian Saunders to implement the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, with particular focus on supporting developing nations through capacity building and sustainable practices.
The position also carries significant diplomatic responsibilities, requiring representation at high-level global forums and engagement with international partners including the Private Sector Consultative Group, donor agencies, and multilateral trade institutions.
In a symbolic ceremony following the election, the South African flag was lowered and Nigeria’s green-white-green flag raised at WCO headquarters – a visual testament to the leadership transition and Nigeria’s new role in shaping global customs policy.
