Senate Hails Adeniyi’s Election as WCO Council Chair, Calls It a Major Win for Nigeria’s Global Trade Leadership

In a significant diplomatic and strategic milestone, the Nigerian Senate has celebrated the election of Nigeria’s Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as the new Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council — a position that places Nigeria at the forefront of global trade and customs governance.

The recognition came via a motion sponsored by Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho (Kogi East), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs. The Senate described Adeniyi’s emergence as a historic breakthrough, positioning Nigeria to lead policy direction for 186 member nations of the WCO.

Senator Echocho, a former customs officer himself, hailed the development as a “transformational moment” in Nigeria’s international relations and customs diplomacy. He attributed the victory to far-reaching reforms under Adeniyi, citing improved revenue collection, aggressive anti-smuggling operations, and accelerated digital transformation within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

“This is not just a ceremonial role; it is a strategic validation of Nigeria’s leadership capacity in global trade,” Echocho said. “Under CG Adeniyi, Customs has exceeded revenue targets, gained international recognition, and modernized its operations in line with global best practices.”

The red chamber erupted in applause following the announcement, with lawmakers describing the feat as a proud return of Nigeria to the leadership of the WCO after nearly four decades. The last time Nigeria held a notable position within the body was in 1985, when Alhaji Abubakar Musa briefly served as a director — not council chair — for just six months.

Senator Echocho noted that under Adeniyi’s leadership, the NCS had surpassed federal revenue benchmarks by as much as 20% annually over the past five years, making it one of the country’s highest-performing government institutions.

“We’ve moved from being spectators to policymakers on the global stage. Nigeria now chairs the most influential customs body worldwide,” he stated. “This is a loud statement that Nigeria can lead with competence and integrity.”

Supporting the motion, Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), also a former customs officer, highlighted how customs reforms have strengthened Nigeria’s trade infrastructure and fiscal performance. He called the development “a golden opening” to influence cross-border trade policies, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“We should use this moment to push for fair trade, deeper digital integration, and stronger regional customs alignment,” Aliero said. “Investments in capacity and infrastructure are now more important than ever.”

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the plenary, commended Adeniyi’s appointment, describing it as a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s institutional progress.

“The world wouldn’t give us this opportunity if it didn’t believe in our capabilities. This speaks volumes about how far we’ve come as a nation,” Barau remarked, jokingly reminding Aliero of his customs background: “Who knows, the next WCO chair might be sitting in this chamber.”

Lawmakers unanimously called for Nigeria to capitalize on this appointment by strengthening its trade diplomacy, regional customs coordination, and economic leadership across Africa.

“This position must serve as a platform — not a pedestal,” Senator Echocho concluded. “Let’s use this opportunity to shape policy, deepen reforms, and make Nigeria a global customs and trade innovation hub.”

The Senate resolved to provide continued legislative and financial support to the Nigeria Customs Service, especially in areas of digital trade systems, border modernization, and policy alignment with international standards.

With Adeniyi now leading the WCO Council, Nigeria moves from the sidelines to the center of global trade governance — setting agendas, driving innovation, and defining the future of customs administration.