The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi has called for deeper cooperation among country members of the World Customs Organizations (WCOs), emphasising diversity as one of the WCO’s greatest strengths.
Presiding over its first meeting as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) at its 93rd Session of the Policy Commission in Antigua, Guatemala, Adeniyi declared saying, “our uniqueness is our strength. We must allow that diversity to continue creating opportunities and progress for us.”
The session which was held from 2 to 4 December 2025 at the historic Hotel Soleil, drew heads of Customs administrations and senior delegates from across the WCO’s six regions, a statement issued by Customs’ spokesperson Dr Abdullahi Maiwada quoted Adeniyi saying.
While reflecting on the significance of his mandate, CGC Adeniyi said the position comes with “a major responsibility for Nigeria and for Africa,” adding that the objective is to provide quality leadership that strengthens global trade, security, and inclusive customs governance
He welcomed participants to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua Guatemala, paying tribute to customs officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and urging delegates to engage constructively on issues shaping the global customs landscape.
He was joined at the occasion 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.
The gathering was further enriched by the cultural heritage of the host nation, with delegates hosted to a traditional dinner at the historic Capuchinas Ruins.
It will be recalled that CGC Adeniyi’s election as WCO Council Chair in June 2025 was widely regarded as a milestone for Nigeria and the African continent, placing the country at the helm of an organisation with 187 member administrations.
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.
