Adeniyi chairs WCO policy session, enhances Nigeria’s global Customs profile
By Fruzzy Wuzzy
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has chaired his first meeting as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, leading the 93rd Session of the Policy Commission in Antigua, Guatemala, and further projecting Nigeria’s influence in global customs governance.
The session Held in first week of December from brought together Heads of Customs Administrations and senior officials from the WCO’s six regions.
In his opening remarks, CGC Adeniyi welcomed delegates to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua Guatemala, paid tribute to customs officers who died in the line of duty, and encouraged participants to engage productively on critical issues shaping global customs operations.
He was joined by WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders and Guatemala’s Vice Minister of Public Finance, Honourable Patricia Joachin, who delivered remarks on behalf of the host government.
Delegates were also treated to the rich cultural heritage of Guatemala, including a traditional dinner at the historic Capuchinas Ruins.
Adeniyi’s election as WCO Council Chair in June 2025 remains a landmark achievement for Nigeria and Africa, placing the country at the forefront of an organisation representing 187 customs administrations worldwide.
According to him, the confidence expressed in his leadership is “an endorsement by the global customs community that we are on track,” drawing attention to the Service’s modernisation efforts over the past two years, including procedural upgrades, systems alignment and strengthened collaboration with international partners.
He highlighted Nigeria’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, developed with WCO support, as one of the country’s most transformative reforms.
The initiative, he said, has shortened clearance timelines, improved revenue outcomes and deepened trust between Customs and compliant traders.
He also referenced the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and the ongoing work on advance rulings as further evidence of Nigeria’s alignment with international best practices.
Adeniyi called for deeper cooperation among customs administrations and emphasised diversity as one of the WCO’s greatest strengths, saying, “Our uniqueness is our strength. We must allow that diversity to continue creating opportunities and progress for us.”
