OAU International Relations alumni hail Adeniyi’s election as WCO chair

The International Relations Alumni Association of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has congratulated Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, on his appointment as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.

In a statement signed by the association’s executive council, the group described Adeniyi’s election as a significant development for Nigeria and a milestone for OAU’s alumni community. The appointment, which was announced on July 1, 2025, marks the first time a Nigerian has been elected to chair the WCO Council since the organisation was established 73 years ago.

Adeniyi, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the alumni association, was unanimously elected by representatives of 186 member countries at the WCO’s annual meeting in Brussels.

“Your distinguished career in the Nigeria Customs Service—culminating in your role as Comptroller-General—has been marked by an unwavering commitment to transparency, professionalism, and transformative leadership,” the statement read.

The alumni association noted that Adeniyi’s appointment aligns with the values of integrity and service promoted by the university and the Department of International Relations in particular.

“As an alumnus of International Relations at OAU, your achievement serves as a shining example and source of inspiration to us all,” the statement continued. “We are proud to celebrate this extraordinary milestone with you and confident that your tenure at the WCO will be defined by the same excellence and visionary approach you have consistently demonstrated.”

The WCO Council serves as the organisation’s highest policy-making body, tasked with setting international customs standards and overseeing the implementation of key resolutions among member administrations.

Since his appointment as Nigeria’s Comptroller-General of Customs in 2023, Adeniyi has overseen various institutional reforms focused on digitisation, revenue optimisation, and engagement with international partners.

He succeeds Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, as WCO Chair.