The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has chaired his first meeting as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, steering the 93rd Session of the WCO Policy Commission in Antigua, Guatemala—an engagement that further elevates Nigeria’s profile in global customs governance.
The session, held from 2 to 4 December 2025 at the historic Hotel Soleil in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua Guatemala, brought together Heads of Customs Administrations and senior officials from across the WCO’s six regions.
In his opening address, CGC Adeniyi welcomed delegates and paid tribute to customs officers worldwide who have died in the line of duty. He encouraged participants to engage meaningfully on emerging issues impacting global customs operations and international trade.
Also present were the WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, and Guatemala’s Vice Minister of Public Finance, Honourable Patricia Joachin, who represented the host country and commended the WCO’s commitment to driving customs modernisation.
Delegates were also treated to the cultural richness of the host nation, including a traditional evening reception at the historic Capuchinas Ruins.
CGC Adeniyi’s election as WCO Council Chair in June 2025 remains a landmark achievement for Nigeria and Africa, positioning the country at the leadership helm of an organisation representing 187 customs administrations worldwide.
Reflecting on the significance of his role, Adeniyi described the mandate as “a major responsibility for Nigeria and for Africa,” emphasising the imperative of delivering quality leadership that enhances global trade facilitation, security, and inclusive customs governance.
He noted that his election serves as validation of Nigeria’s ongoing customs reforms, a message he previously shared in an exclusive interview on WCO Global’s The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders. According to him, the confidence entrusted in him “is an endorsement by the global customs community that we are on track.”
Adeniyi highlighted recent milestones achieved by the Nigeria Customs Service, including modernisation of procedures, improved system integrations, and strengthened collaboration with international partners. He pointed to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme—developed with WCO support—as one of the Service’s most impactful reforms, significantly cutting clearance times, improving revenue performance, and strengthening trust with compliant traders.
He also referenced Nigeria’s progress in implementing the SAFE Framework of Standards, conducting the Time Release Study (TRS), and advancing work on advance rulings, which collectively align the Service more closely with global best practices.
Calling for deeper cooperation across customs administrations, Adeniyi underscored the importance of diversity within the WCO, saying: “Our uniqueness is our strength. We must allow that diversity to continue creating opportunities and progress for us.”
The 93rd Session concluded with renewed commitment among members to strengthen customs efficiency, enhance border security, and promote seamless global trade.
