The World Customs Organization (WCO) Council, the governing body of the organization, comprising the Heads of 186 Customs administrations, has formally endorsed Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, as its Chairperson from 1 July 2025.
Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said: “I am deeply grateful for my election as Chairperson of the Council. I want to acknowledge the exceptional work of my predecessor, whose guidance and stability provided strong leadership for the Council. Specifically, I hope to build on the progress made so far in the development of the Strategic Plan for 2025-2028 and I look forward to working with the Secretariat and the Vice-Chairs towards its diligent implementation and WCO modernisation.”
WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, said: “My deepest congratulations go to Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on his election as Council Chairperson and I look forward to engaging closely with him as we work to ensure the WCO is fit to navigate the evolving global Customs landscape. I would also like to express my appreciation to Mr. Edward Kieswetter during his tenure where the WCO’s modernization plan evolved from concept to delivery.”
Meeting at the WCO in Brussels and held under the guidance of outgoing WCO Council Chairperson, Mr. Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, the 145th/146th Sessions saw the election of a new Chair following the completion of the maximum two-year duration of the outgoing chair. In addition, new regional Vice-Chairs were appointed for the WCO Europe Region (United Kingdom) and for the East and Southern Africa Region (South Africa).
The role of WCO Chairperson
The Council is the supreme decision-making body of the WCO and convenes once a year. It is during these annual Council Sessions that final decisions regarding the Organization’s work and activities are agreed upon. With 186 members, the Chairperson plays a vital role bringing together Members views to guide the work of the global Customs community.