By Harriet Tornguvan
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has chaired his first meeting as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, marking a major step in strengthening Nigeria’s influence in global customs administration.
Adeniyi led the 93rd Session of the WCO Policy Commission held from 2 to 4 December 2025 in Antigua, Guatemala, where Heads of Customs Administrations and senior delegates from the WCO’s six regions convened to deliberate on emerging issues in international trade and customs operations.
The CGC welcomed delegates to the UNESCO World Heritage city and paid tribute to customs officers worldwide who have died in the line of duty. He urged participants to engage constructively in shaping the future of global customs governance.
Also present were the WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, and Guatemala’s Vice Minister of Public Finance, Patricia Joachin, who delivered remarks on behalf of the host government. Delegates were later treated to a cultural evening at the iconic Capuchinas Ruins, showcasing the heritage of the host nation.
Adeniyi’s election as WCO Council Chair in June 2025 was widely celebrated as a milestone for Nigeria and Africa, placing the country at the head of an organisation representing 187 customs administrations. Reflecting on the mandate, he noted that the position comes with “a major responsibility for Nigeria and for Africa,” stressing the need to provide quality leadership that promotes secure, efficient and inclusive global trade.
In earlier remarks on The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders, Adeniyi described his election as a validation of Nigeria’s ongoing customs reforms. He said the confidence shown in his leadership by member states demonstrates that the country’s modernisation drive is yielding results.
He highlighted key reforms such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme implemented with WCO support which has significantly reduced clearance timelines, boosted revenue performance, and strengthened trust between Customs and compliant traders.
Adeniyi also cited Nigeria’s alignment with global best practices through initiatives like the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and ongoing work on advance rulings.
Calling for deeper cooperation among member administrations, the WCO Council Chair underscored the importance of diversity in building a stronger global customs community. “Our uniqueness is our strength,” he said. “We must allow that diversity to continue creating opportunities and progress for us.”
The session reaffirmed Nigeria’s rising profile in global customs leadership and highlighted Adeniyi’s role in steering conversations that shape international trade facilitation and security.
