Joyce Mmereole Okoli
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has formally chaired his first meeting as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, presiding over the 93rd Session of the WCO Policy Commission in Antigua, Guatemala, and further elevating Nigeria’s profile in international customs governance.
The high-level session, held from 2 to 4 December 2025 at the historic Hotel Soleil, convened Heads of Customs Administrations and senior delegates from the WCO’s six global regions.
In his opening address, Adeniyi welcomed participants to the UNESCO-listed city of Antigua Guatemala, paying tribute to customs officers worldwide who died in the line of duty and urging delegates to engage constructively on issues shaping the future of global trade and border management.
He was joined at the opening ceremony by WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, and Guatemala’s Vice Minister of Public Finance, Hon. Patricia Joachin, who delivered remarks on behalf of the host government. Delegates were also treated to a traditional cultural dinner at the iconic Capuchinas Ruins, underscoring the historic significance of the gathering.
Adeniyi’s election as WCO Council Chair in June 2025 was widely celebrated as a landmark achievement for Nigeria and the African continent, placing the country at the leadership helm of an organisation representing 187 customs administrations.
Reflecting on the significance of his mandate, Adeniyi noted that the position comes with “a major responsibility for Nigeria and for Africa,” adding that his focus is to deliver quality leadership that strengthens global trade facilitation, border security, and inclusive customs governance.
His remarks echoed sentiments previously shared during an exclusive WCO Global interview on The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders, where he described his election as a strong validation of Nigeria’s ongoing customs modernisation reforms.
Adeniyi highlighted several of the Nigeria Customs Service’s recent achievements, including extensive procedural upgrades, systems alignment with international standards, and enhanced partnerships with global customs bodies.
He cited the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, developed with WCO support, as one of Nigeria’s most transformative reforms, noting that it has reduced clearance delays, boosted revenue performance, and strengthened trust with compliant traders.
He also referenced the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and progress on advance rulings as further proof of Nigeria’s deepening alignment with global best practices.
Adeniyi concluded by calling for stronger cooperation among customs administrations worldwide, emphasising that diversity within the WCO remains a critical asset.
“Our uniqueness is our strength. We must allow that diversity to continue creating opportunities and progress for us,” he said.