Nigeria has strengthened its footprint in global customs administration as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, chaired his first meeting as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation, WCO Council, presiding over the 93rd Session of the WCO Policy Commission in Antigua, Guatemala.
The high-level gathering, held from December 2 to 4, 2025, at the historic Hotel Soleil, brought together Heads of Customs Administrations and senior officials from across the WCO’s six regions to deliberate on emerging issues in global trade and customs operations.
In his opening address, CGC Adeniyi welcomed delegates to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua Guatemala and paid tribute to customs officers worldwide who have died in active service. He urged participants to engage constructively as the Commission navigates critical policy areas shaping the global customs ecosystem.
He was joined at the session by WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, and Guatemala’s Vice Minister of Public Finance, Hon. Patricia Joachin, who represented the host government. Delegates were also treated to a cultural evening at the iconic Capuchinas Ruins, showcasing Guatemala’s rich heritage.
Adeniyi’s leadership comes six months after his historic election as WCO Council Chair, a development widely hailed as a milestone for Nigeria and Africa. His election placed Nigeria at the forefront of an organisation representing 187 customs administrations worldwide.
Reflecting on the significance of the role, the CGC described his mandate as “a major responsibility for Nigeria and for Africa,” noting that his objective is to deliver impactful leadership that strengthens global trade, security, and inclusive customs governance.
His remarks echoed sentiments he earlier expressed in an exclusive WCO Global interview, The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders, where he described his election as a validation of Nigeria’s far-reaching customs reforms.
According to him, the confidence shown by the global customs community demonstrates that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) “is on track,” citing the Service’s modernisation drive, improved systems alignment, and expanding partnerships with international organisations.
He highlighted the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, developed with WCO technical support, as one of Nigeria’s most impactful reforms, noting that it has reduced cargo clearance timelines, boosted revenue mobilisation, and enhanced trust with compliant traders.
Adeniyi also pointed to Nigeria’s adoption of key WCO instruments such as the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and ongoing work on advance rulings as strong indicators of the NCS’ alignment with international best practices.
Calling for deeper cooperation among member administrations, the CGC underscored the value of diversity within the global customs community. “Our uniqueness is our strength,” he said. “We must allow that diversity to continue creating opportunities and progress for us.”
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