By Chimezie Godfrey
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has delivered the keynote address at the 46th Session of the Enforcement Committee of the World Customs Organization in Brussels, Belgium.
The event held on March 23, 2026, also featured remarks by the WCO Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, marking the first time both officials jointly addressed the opening session.
Adeniyi, who also chairs the WCO Council, said Customs administrations must adopt intelligence-led approaches to address emerging threats in global trade.
“Customs enforcement today is no longer about isolated seizures; it is about protecting the integrity of global trade,” he said.
He commended Customs agencies worldwide for their efforts in tackling transnational organised crime and stressed the need for stronger cooperation.
Discussions at the session focused on evolving enforcement priorities, including the use of detection technologies, intelligence sharing, supply chain security, and trade-based money laundering.
The Committee is also reviewing its Terms of Reference, last updated in 2009, to reflect current global trade realities.
Nigeria Customs is expected to present its operational experience in managing complex border environments, contributing to global policy discussions.
Adeniyi called for deeper collaboration among Customs administrations to strengthen enforcement and enhance global trade security.
Delegates also witnessed a demonstration of drone technology by the Netherlands Customs, highlighting the growing role of modern surveillance tools in border management.