Comptroller-General Adeniyi Chairs First WCO Council Meeting, Boosts Nigeria’s Global Customs Profile

Antigua, Guatemala – December 4, 2025 – Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, presided over his first meeting as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, steering the 93rd Session of the Policy Commission and enhancing Nigeria’s visibility in global Customs governance.

The session, held from December 2–4 at the historic Hotel Soleil in Antigua, drew Heads of Customs Administrations and senior delegates from all six WCO regions.

Opening Remarks and Key Messages

In his opening address, Adeniyi welcomed participants to the UNESCO World Heritage city, paid tribute to customs officers who lost their lives in service, and encouraged delegates to engage constructively on pressing 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 spoke on behalf of the host government. Delegates also enjoyed a traditional dinner at the Capuchinas Ruins, showcasing Guatemala’s rich cultural heritage.

Significance of Adeniyi’s Mandate

Adeniyi’s election as WCO Council Chair in June 2025 was widely seen as a milestone for both Nigeria and Africa, placing the country at the helm of the organisation, which boasts 187 member administrations.

He described the position as “a major responsibility for Nigeria and for Africa” and pledged to provide quality leadership to strengthen global trade, security, and inclusive Customs governance.

In an earlier interview with WCO Global’s The Customs Exchange, Adeniyi called his election “a validation of Nigeria’s ongoing customs reforms” and noted that the global community’s confidence in his leadership reflects endorsement of the Service’s modernization efforts.

Nigeria’s Customs Reforms Highlighted

During the session, Adeniyi showcased several transformative reforms in Nigeria, including:

• Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, reducing clearance timelines, improving revenue outcomes, and building trust with compliant traders.
• Alignment with international standards through the SAFE Framework of Standards, Time Release Study (TRS), and ongoing work on advance rulings.
• Procedural upgrades, systems alignment, and strengthened collaboration with international partners.

He emphasized the importance of cooperation among Customs administrations and highlighted diversity as a core strength of the WCO, stating:

“Our uniqueness is our strength. We must allow that diversity to continue creating opportunities and progress for us.”

Looking Ahead

Adeniyi’s leadership at the WCO Council is seen as an opportunity to deepen Nigeria’s influence in global trade facilitation, strengthen compliance and security, and promote best practices in Customs administration across Africa and beyond.