• 28 Jun, 2025
• Faith Kegh
• No comment

Wale Adeniyi Elected Chair of World Customs Organisation.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Wale Adeniyi, has been elected as th

e new Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.

His election took place during the closing session of the 145th/146th WCO Council meetings held at the organisation’s headquarters in Brussels. The WCO Council is the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.

Adeniyi is the first Nigerian to occupy this position since the WCO was founded in 1953. He succeeds Edward Kieswetter, head of the South African Revenue Service.

In his acceptance speech, Adeniyi described the election as a historic moment for Nigeria and the broader African customs community. He thanked the WCO Council members for their trust and noted that the achievement reflects the ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s Customs Service.

  “This recognition is not just personal; it represents the progress we’ve made as a service,” he said. “As Chairperson, I am committed to promoting innovation, fairness, and cooperation among member countries in tackling global trade challenges.”

He also pledged support for the WCO’s modernisation goals and vowed to help implement the organisation’s 2025–2028 strategic plan.

  “Customs agencies today must strike a balance between trade facilitation and enforcement, transparency and innovation, and national interests and global cooperation,” Adeniyi stated. “I intend to work closely with stakeholders to ensure the WCO adapts to today’s realities.”

Adeniyi praised his predecessor for laying a strong foundation and promised to continue fostering meaningful dialogue among member countries.

The WCO Council oversees all aspects of global customs policy. It promotes modernisation, standardisation, and best practices across its 185 member countries. All working groups within the WCO report to the Council.

As Chairperson, Adeniyi will guide the WCO Policy Commission and play a lead role in shaping the global customs agenda. His responsibilities include facilitating high-level discussions on trade, revenue optimisation, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital innovation. He will work alongside WCO Secretary-General Ian Saunders and the Secretariat to drive the strategic vision of the organisation.

In addition, he will serve as a diplomatic figurehead, representing the WCO at major global events and strengthening ties with private sector groups, donors, and international trade organisations.

A symbolic flag ceremony marked Nigeria’s assumption of leadership, with the South African flag lowered and the Nigerian flag raised at the WCO headquarters in Brussels.

Faith Kegh

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