Customs chief leads global enforcement talks at WCO forum

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has delivered a keynote address at the opening of the 46th Session of the Enforcement Committee of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in Brussels.

The session marked a first in the committee’s more than four-decade history, with both the WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, and the Council Chairperson jointly addressing the opening ceremony.

Officials said the development reflects the growing importance of the Enforcement Committee in shaping global customs policy, as well as Nigeria’s increasing role in international customs cooperation.

Discussions at the meeting signalled a shift in thecommittee’s focus, expanding beyond traditional enforcement activities to include broader policy issues such as detection technologies, intelligence sharing, supply chain security and trade-based money laundering.

In his address, Mr Adeniyi commended customs administrations worldwide for their efforts in tackling transnational organised crime, while warning that threats within global supply chains are becoming more complex.

He called for stronger, intelligence-led collaboration among customs agencies, saying enforcement efforts must evolve to protect the integrity of international trade.

The Nigeria Customs Service is also expected to share operational insights from managing complex and fragile border environments, with officials saying such contributions could help inform global policy and strengthen enforcement strategies.On the sidelines of the session, delegates observed a demonstration of drone technology by the Netherlands Customs administration, highlighting the increasing use of unmanned systems in border surveillance and modern customs operations.

Mr Adeniyi said closer cooperation among customs authorities would enhance enforcement, secure trade routes and strengthen the global economy.