The election of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), CGC, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, in Brussels weekend, has elicited reactions from many quarters across the nation especially from the maritime industry stakeholders but surprisingly, it has left a dot of mixed feelings within the Customs command.
The election was held during the concluding session of the 145th/146th WCO Council Meetings held on Saturday, at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels.
MMS Plus reports that President Bola Tinubu joined the league of stakeholders who have congratulated the CGC on this feat seen as unprecedented milestone in the nation’s international relations, especially when scaled from the prism of WCO membership, while providing a platform to shape international trade policies and standards.
While the Nigeria’s chairmanship of the WCO Council is perceived broadly as the country’s growing influence in global trade politics and leadership, the hawks in the Service, who have played dove in patience, awaiting the crystallization of their plans to oust Adeniyi from office considered the feat as a deft move for tenure extension, and thereby an attempt at scuttling their mission of taking control of the office of the CGC.
The WCO Council chairmanship came two years after Adeniyi’s appointment which was on June 19,2023 in acting capacity as the Comptroller-General of Customs by President Tinubu. He was deservedly confirmed as the substantive CGC on October19,2023, which was exactly four months.
For many observers what happened in Brussel was an unsolicited vote of confidence from the global community on the leadership qualities of Adeniyi in NCS, and a tacit call on President Tinubu to grant him a tenure extension to consolidate the gains locally and extend the gospel of modernisation and digitalisation to the global platform.
MMS Plus reports that the request for Adeniyi’s tenure extension has been on the table of Mr. President awaiting his approval but the delay is not unconnected with the intervening political chess play by the hawks in Customs and their godfather in the presidency, who has shown interest in a gubernatorial contest in his home state come 2027. Invariably, his interest is to enthrone a leadership committed to his ambition as agreed.
For the progressive-minded stakeholders in the maritime community, Adeniyi’s latest feat and glory for the nation, as well as his strings of novel milestones and public trust in the Service are convincing enough to earn him tenure extension, even if for another two years.
Adeniyi made history as the first Nigerian to head the 73-year-old organisation, which has 186 member countries and is the highest decision-making body in global customs administration
CGC Adeniyi succeeds Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, and becomes the first Nigerian to hold this prestigious office since the WCO’s establishment.
Reacting to the appointment, CGC Adeniyi expressed profound appreciation to the Council members for the confidence reposed in his leadership, describing the moment as both humbling and historic for Nigeria and the African Customs community at large.
“This honour is not mine alone, it reflects the collective progress of the Nigeria Customs Service and the transformative agenda we’ve pursued over the past two years,” he stated.
“As Chairperson, I pledge to uphold the core values of the WCO, while promoting innovation, equity, and deeper collaboration among member states in response to the complex realities of global trade,” Adeniyi assured.
CGC Adeniyi also expressed gratitude to the Council for electing him the Chairperson.
He pledged unwavering support for the World Customs Organisation’s ongoing modernisation efforts and affirmed his commitment to implementing its 2025–2028 strategic plan.
“We are entering a critical phase in the evolution of global trade, where customs must balance facilitation with enforcement, transparency with innovation, and sovereignty with cooperation,” Adeniyi added.
“I intend to work closely with member administrations and stakeholders to position the WCO as a dynamic, forward-looking institution fit for today’s challenges,” he said.
The CGC further acknowledged the commendable work of his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter, for the guidance and stability provided to the Council.
He noted that his leadership laid a solid foundation upon which current reforms can thrive. The CGC further expressed optimism towards the coming sessions of the Council, affirming his readiness to facilitate meaningful dialogue and progress among the global customs community.
The WCO Council is the organisation’s supreme governing body, established by the Convention on the Establishment of a Customs Co-operation Council. Its core mandate promotes uniformity, modernisation, and global best practices among customs administrations.
All WCO working bodies report to the Council, whose policy decisions guide the operations of Customs administrations across its 185 member states.
As Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi is expected to provide strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission, steering the global customs agenda and facilitating high-level discussions on trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation.
He will also work closely with the WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, and the WCO Secretariat to ensure implementation of the organisation’s Strategic Plan, while championing greater inclusivity, capacity development, and sustainability in customs operations, particularly for developing countries.
The Chairperson also plays a key diplomatic role, representing the WCO at high-level global fora and strengthening relationships with external partners such as the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG), international donor bodies, and multilateral trade institutions.
Shortly after the Council Session, in a symbolic moment that captured the significance of Nigeria’s ascension, the South African flag was respectfully lowered for the Nigerian flag which hoisted at the WCO headquarters, signifying Nigeria’s leadership as Chair of the Council.
In his message, President Tinubu congratulated Adeniyi, the Board, management and staff of the NCS on the recognition.
“I congratulate the Customs boss for bringing pride and validation to our country and the economic reforms. I urge the new Chairperson of the WCO to live up to the expectation of the WCO Council and even surpass it,” the President said
The President believes that the hoisting of the Nigerian flag at the WCO headquarters in Brussels marks a significant milestone. It is the first time the flag has been raised at the organisation’s headquarters since it was founded in 1952. This event demonstrates the dynamism of the leadership provided by Adeniyi in NCS since assumption of office two years now.
In two years, Adeniyi has increased revenue collections, consistently surpassing budgetary targets, improved relations with various stakeholders, modernised operations and digitalised processes for effectiveness.
President Tinubu was grateful to the Secretary-General and WCO leaders for unanimously electing the Nigerian Customs boss and assured that his government would support the leadership of the Council.
CGC Adeniyi, will officially begin guiding the global institution on July 1, 2025.
Meanwhile, as felicitations have continued to pour in, the National President of Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Otunba Frank Ogunojemite has commended the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi following his appointment as Chairman of World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.
Ogunojemite in a press statement on Sunday charged the NCS boss to bring fresh perspectives to the WCO.
Part of the statement read; “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your recent appointment as the Chairman of the World Customs Organization. This prestigious role is a testament to your exceptional leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to enhancing global customs standards and practices.
“Your vast experience and profound understanding of the complexities of international trade and customs will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to the organization. This is a remarkable achievement not only for you but also for Nigeria, as it signifies our nation’s growing influence in the global arena.” He added.
The freight forwarding group expressed confidence that Adeniyi’s vision will guide the WCO towards innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships that benefit all member countries.
“Once again, congratulations on this well-deserved honor. I wish you tremendous success in your new role and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of your leadership on the global customs community,” the statement read
On its part,the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), has congratulated CGC Adewale Adeniyi, on his election as the Chairperson of the Council of the WCO
In a letter signed by the National President of the association, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi , the association described Adeniyi’s emergence as the first Nigerian to lead the WCO as not only strategic but a significant victory for Nigeria and Africa at large.
“This unprecedented milestone is a testament to your impeccable track record of service, foresight and the remarkable transformation you have ushered into the Nigeria Customs Service,” part of the statement read.
“Your tenure as CGC has demonstrated a clear commitment to transparency, innovation, and valued cooperation that resonate with the mission of the WCO. The global stage is set and we are confident that you will bring the same excellence and purposeful leadership to the world arena.
As National President and on behalf of the NAGAFF family , I hereby affirm our full and unwavering support for your administration at the global arena. We stand firmly beside you in your quest to reshape and reenergize customs operations globally. Be assured of our continued collaboration and advocacy as strategic partners.
“May your tenure bring forth groundbreaking reforms, deepen global customs integration, and cement Nigeria’s place in international trade diplomacy. Once more, accept our warmest congratulations as Nigerians beams with pride”.
The Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) also congratulated the CGC on the feat..
The oldest and leading licensed customs agents group, ANLCA, said it was not surprised about the emergence of Adeniyi, noting that his inspiring leadership capacity, astute administration, key agenda, the reinvigoration of the modernization of customs processes and efficient implementation of government policies were clear signs that Adeniyi has taken the NCS to a higher pedestal.
ANLCA National President Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji said the association and its members were very proud of the CGC and wish him a successful tenure as chairperson of the global customs organization.
“What has happened shows that in the international stage, Nigeria is no longer a push over. Here is another chance that portrays us a capable people and trustworthy partners.
“It also shows that all we do here is not negative, CGC Adeniyi has made Nigeria proud. On behalf of the leadership of ANLCA and its members, we share in the joy of this moment because however you look at this beautiful event and development, we feel a sense of belonging, and share in the joy of our CGC occupying the chairmanship seat as partners”, Nwokeoji said.
Also,the ANLCA Vice President, Prince Segun Oduntan said the election of the Customs boss into the chairmanship position of the WCO Council is a testimonial that Nigeria’s rating in customs trade and administration meets with global acceptance and respectability.
He said Adeniyi has succeeded in radically refocusing the Service, with notable achievements.“You must agree that since he came on board, customs processes have changed for the better, especially in the area of compliance. He introduced very strong stakeholders’ engagement and customs agents and their importers have seen the need to be compliant.
“It may not be 100 percent yet but our level of compliance is rising and making customs brokerage becoming more respectable, more professional. You can even say it is helping in the area of economic stability, so kudos to the CGC.
“As customs agents, we believe that without us, the Customs Service is not complete and the same also applies to the CGC. We are excited about what has happened, his election into the WCO Council is also a thing of joy for us. We are proud of him and we will continue to support his administration.
“No Customs administration has made so much impact on the overall growth of the national economy and in the area of helping the federal government achieve set goals. We congratulate him and wish him more strength”, Oduntan added.
