Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, chaired his first World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council session from December 2 to 4, 2025, in Antigua, Guatemala, marking a significant boost to Nigeria’s presence in the global customs arena.
The 93rd Policy Commission gathering brought together heads of customs administrations and senior delegates from all six WCO regions. Opening the session, Adeniyi paid tribute to fallen customs officers worldwide and encouraged constructive dialogue on pressing global customs issues.
He was supported by WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders and Guatemala’s Vice Minister of Public Finance, Honourable Patricia Joachin, who represented the host government. Delegates also experienced the rich cultural heritage of Antigua during a special dinner at the historic Capuchinas Ruins.
Adeniyi’s election as WCO Council Chair in June 2025 was hailed as a milestone for Nigeria and Africa, placing the country at the helm of an organisation representing 187 member administrations. He acknowledged the role as carrying substantial responsibility to provide leadership that promotes secure and inclusive global trade.
Adeniyi described his appointment as a validation of Nigeria’s ongoing customs reform efforts. He highlighted key modernization strides including procedural upgrades, international collaboration, and Nigeria’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which has expedited clearance times and strengthened trust with compliant traders.
He also referenced alignment with global standards such as the SAFE Framework, Time Release Study, and advances in rulings, demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to international best practices.
Closing his remarks, Adeniyi called for enhanced cooperation among customs administrations worldwide, celebrating diversity as a foundational strength of the WCO. “Our uniqueness is our strength. We must let it foster opportunities and progress for all of us,” he concluded.