CGC Adeniyi presides over first WCO policy session, boosts Nigeria’s standing in global customs affairs
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has chaired his first meeting as head of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, leading the 93rd Session of the Policy Commission in Antigua, Guatemala.
The gathering strengthened Nigeria’s profile within the global customs community.
The session took place from 2 to 4 December 2025 at the historic Hotel Soleil and brought together Heads of Customs Administrations and senior representatives from the WCO’s six regions.
During the opening ceremony, CGC Adeniyi welcomed the delegates to Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO World Heritage city.
He paid tribute to customs officers who died in the line of duty and encouraged participants to engage meaningfully on issues that influence global customs operations.
He was joined by WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders and Guatemala’s Vice Minister of Public Finance, Honourable Patricia Joachin, who addressed attendees on behalf of the host country.
Delegates were later treated to a traditional cultural dinner at the historic Capuchinas Ruins.
CGC Adeniyi’s emergence as WCO Council Chair in June 2025 is widely seen as a significant achievement for Nigeria and the African region.
His election placed the country in a leadership position within an organisation that comprises 187 customs administrations.
Reflecting on the importance of the role, Adeniyi stated that the position carries “a major responsibility for Nigeria and for Africa,” noting that his focus is on delivering leadership that supports global trade, security, and fair customs practices.
His remarks align with comments he made earlier in an exclusive interview on The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders, where he said his election affirmed Nigeria’s ongoing customs reforms.
According to him, the trust placed in his leadership is “an endorsement by the global customs community that we are on track,” as he highlighted key reforms undertaken by the Service over the past two years.
These include the modernisation of procedures, system upgrades, and improved cooperation with international partners.
Adeniyi listed the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, developed with WCO support, as one of the most significant changes.
He said the programme has reduced clearance times, boosted revenue performance, and strengthened trust between Customs and compliant traders.
He also mentioned the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and progress on advance rulings as further proof of Nigeria’s commitment to global standards.
Calling for stronger partnerships among customs authorities worldwide, Adeniyi emphasised the importance of inclusiveness within the WCO, saying, “Our uniqueness is our strength. We must allow that diversity to continue creating opportunities and progress for us.”