Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council and Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, says his recent election is a testament to the rising credibility of African Customs administrations and Nigeria’s reform-driven progress on the global stage.

Speaking during the WCO’s flagship interactive forum, The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders, Adeniyi said his election reflects international confidence not only in his leadership but also in the transformational reforms Nigeria has carried out in the last two years.

“It’s a kind of endorsement by the global customs community that we are on track. We have been undertaking reforms and modernisation programmes in the last two years, and this validates the direction we are taking,” he said.

Nigeria’s Reforms as a Model for Africa

Adeniyi noted that Africa’s customs landscape is evolving rapidly, with many administrations leveraging WCO frameworks to strengthen trade facilitation, enhance revenue generation, and bolster border security.
Nigeria, he explained, exemplifies how structured reforms—aligned with international standards—can reposition a national customs service for efficiency and global relevance.

One of the most impactful initiatives, he said, is the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, developed with WCO support.
According to him, the scheme has reduced port clearance times, boosted revenue performance, and strengthened partnerships with compliant traders.

He also highlighted other transformative tools such as the SAFE Framework of Standards, the Time Release Study (TRS), and advancements in advance rulings, all of which have reshaped customs operations in developing economies like Nigeria.

WCO’s Unifying Role

Adeniyi praised the WCO for its stabilising influence worldwide, describing the organisation as a bridge that unites diverse nations around common goals—economic growth, security, and environmental sustainability.

“Its ability to unify diverse countries around shared priorities makes it a unique institution,” he said.

A Historic Appointment and a Continental Mandate

As the first Nigerian to chair the WCO Council in nearly 20 years, Adeniyi acknowledged the weight of responsibility his appointment carries for both Nigeria and Africa.

He described the role as a collective honour, saying it signifies global acknowledgment of Nigeria Customs’ reform agenda.

“This appointment is a validation of the reforms we are doing. It shows we are aligning our priorities with those of the World Customs Organisation,” he added.

Adeniyi pledged to use his position to amplify Africa’s voice in global customs governance while pushing for inclusive decision-making across the WCO.

Embracing Diversity for Global Progress

He urged member countries to see diversity as the organisation’s greatest strength:

“Our uniqueness is our strength. We must let this diversity continue to create opportunity and progress for us.”

Adeniyi reaffirmed his commitment to providing quality leadership for the global customs community and advancing customs standards that support international trade and security.