Nigeria’s Customs Chief Adeniyi Makes History as Chairperson of World Customs Organization

|By Babatunji Wusu-

-Nigeria’s Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Becomes First Nigerian to Chair WCO Council
–Appointment Marks Major Diplomatic Win for Africa in Global Trade Leadership

In a landmark achievement for Nigeria and the African continent, the Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has been unanimously appointed as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.

The historic announcement was made on Saturday, June 28, 2025, during the 145th/146th Sessions of the WCO Council in Brussels, Belgium. Adeniyi’s emergence as Chairperson marks the first time a Nigerian—and one of the few Africans—will steer the affairs of the global customs body in its over 70-year history.

Renowned for his trailblazing reforms, strategic foresight, and transformative leadership, Adeniyi has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most effective and decorated public administrators. Since taking over as Comptroller-General in 2023, he has repositioned the Nigeria Customs Service through a bold agenda centered on Collaboration, Consolidation, and Innovation.

Under his stewardship, the Service has recorded significant gains in trade facilitation, anti-smuggling enforcement, and digital transformation, earning accolades both locally and internationally.

Now set to lead the WCO Council—an influential organization representing over 185 member countries and responsible for regulating 98% of global trade—Adeniyi is expected to drive forward major international discussions on customs cooperation, trade security, and economic development.

His elevation reinforces Nigeria’s rising diplomatic and administrative presence on the global stage and is seen by many as a direct reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to rebrand the nation through merit-driven appointments and global engagement.

Adeniyi’s appointment is more than a personal victory—it is a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping global policies and institutions.