NCS Comptroller General, Adeniyi, appointed Chairperson of WCO Council

Nigeria’s Controller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, marking a historic milestone for Nigeria and Africa.

The announcement was made on June 28, 2025, during the 145th/146th Sessions of the WCO Council held in Brussels, Belgium. Member countries unanimously endorsed Adeniyi for the prestigious role, making him the first Nigerian and one of the few Africans to lead the WCO Council in its over 70-year history.

Adeniyi, an award-winning public service administrator, has built a distinguished career in the Nigeria Customs Service. Since his appointment as Comptroller-General in 2023, he has championed reforms driven by collaboration, consolidation, and innovation, transforming the agency into a model for growth and modernization in Africa.

The WCO, headquartered in Brussels, oversees customs operations worldwide and comprises more than 185 member countries, accounting for 98% of global trade. As Chairperson, Adeniyi will be responsible for guiding the Council’s strategic direction and leading international discussions on trade facilitation, border security, and customs cooperation.

His appointment is regarded as a significant achievement for Nigeria, highlighting the country’s growing influence in global governance. It also underscores Africa’s rising presence in key international institutions.

Adeniyi’s elevation to this global position aligns with the broader efforts of the Nigerian government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to project Nigeria’s leadership on the world stage, consistent with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Observers see his new role as not only a personal achievement but also a testament to Nigeria’s growing credibility in international trade and customs administration.

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