Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has achieved a historic milestone by being elected Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). This prestigious position marks the first time a Nigerian has held this leadership role since the WCO’s inception. Adeniyi’s election took place during the 145th/146th WCO Council meeting in Brussels, signifying a momentous occasion for Nigeria and the broader African Customs Community. His appointment comes just two years after his appointment as the Customs Comptroller General by President Bola Tinubu, further solidifying his rapid ascent within the customs administration landscape. Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, in this crucial role.
Adeniyi’s election as WCO Chairperson reflects the growing recognition of Nigeria’s contributions to global customs practices and its commitment to modernizing its own customs operations. He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the council members and acknowledged the collective efforts of the NCS in driving transformative changes within the organization. Adeniyi emphasized his dedication to upholding the WCO’s core values while fostering innovation, equity, and enhanced collaboration among member states. He recognizes the evolving complexities of international trade and aims to navigate these challenges through strategic partnerships and progressive policies.
Adeniyi’s vision for the WCO centers around strengthening its position as a dynamic and forward-thinking institution. He plans to work closely with member administrations and stakeholders to ensure the organization remains agile and responsive to the ever-changing global trade landscape. He is committed to implementing the WCO’s 2025-2028 strategic plan, which focuses on key areas such as trade facilitation, revenue optimization, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation. Adeniyi believes that customs administrations must strike a delicate balance between facilitating smooth trade flows and enforcing regulations, embracing transparency while promoting innovation, and safeguarding national sovereignty while fostering international cooperation.
Acknowledging the groundwork laid by his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter, Adeniyi expressed his intention to build upon the existing foundation and drive further progress. He lauded Kieswetter’s leadership in providing guidance and stability to the council, emphasizing the importance of continuity in pursuing the WCO’s modernization efforts. Adeniyi’s optimistic outlook for the upcoming council sessions underscores his commitment to facilitating productive dialogue and collaboration within the global customs community. He aims to foster an environment where member states can share best practices, address common challenges, and collectively work towards enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of customs operations worldwide.
The WCO Council, the organization’s highest governing body, plays a pivotal role in shaping global customs policies and practices. Established by the Convention on Establishing a Customs Co-operation Council, the council’s primary mandate is to promote uniformity, modernization, and the adoption of best practices among customs administrations. All WCO working bodies report to the council, ensuring alignment with the overarching strategic direction set by the council’s policy decisions. This framework provides a cohesive approach to customs administration across the WCO’s 185 member states, fostering consistency and cooperation on a global scale.
As Chairperson, Adeniyi will assume the responsibility of leading the WCO Policy Commission, a key body responsible for shaping the global customs agenda. He will steer high-level discussions on critical issues impacting international trade, including trade facilitation, revenue optimization, security enhancements, cross-border cooperation, and the integration of digital technologies. His leadership will be instrumental in shaping the WCO’s strategic direction and fostering collaboration among member states to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the global customs landscape. Adeniyi’s election represents a significant step forward for Nigeria and Africa, highlighting the continent’s increasing influence and contribution to the global customs community.
