Adewale Adeniyi, Chairman of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council and Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has hailed Nigeria’s recent Customs reforms as a model for Africa’s readiness to influence global Customs policies.

Speaking during a WCO Global interview and the forum “The Customs Exchange: Conversations with Global Customs Leaders”, Adeniyi said:

• His election as WCO Council Chairman reflects international recognition of Nigeria’s progress in modernising its Customs administration.
• Nigeria’s reforms over the past two years, including modernisation programs and alignment with international best practices, demonstrate how structured changes can enhance trade facilitation, revenue performance, and border security.
• Initiatives such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme have reduced port clearance times, improved revenue, and fostered trusted partnerships with compliant traders.
• Other programmes like the SAFE Framework of Standards, Time Release Study (TRS), and advanced rulings further showcase how global standards can transform developing economies.

Adeniyi also stressed the importance of the WCO in uniting diverse nations around shared priorities like economic prosperity, security, and sustainability.

As the first Nigerian in nearly 20 years to hold the WCO Council Chairmanship, he pledged to:

• Elevate Africa’s contributions within the global Customs system.
• Promote inclusive governance and leverage the continent’s diversity as a strength.
• Ensure Nigeria’s reforms continue to serve as a benchmark for other African nations.

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

His appointment, he noted, is not only a personal honor but also validation of Nigeria’s reform-driven trajectory in Customs administration.