Adeniyi Rallies Global Customs Chiefs to Intensify Enforcement Against Illicit Trade

• Says stronger cooperation key to securing borders, global economy 

•WCO inaugurates landmark enforcement session with joint leadership 

•Saunders warns vigilance, technology critical to tackling emerging threats

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Tuesday led a global call for stronger Customs enforcement, declaring that enhanced cooperation among administrations worldwide was critical to protecting societies, securing trade, and strengthening the global economy.

Adeniyi, according to a statement made available to THISDAY in Abuja yesterday, made the declaration while jointly opening the 46th Session of the WCO Enforcement Committee alongside the Secretary-General, Ian Saunders, at the organisation’s headquarters in Brussels.

Speaking from the chair, Adeniyi commended Customs administrations across the globe for their sustained efforts in combating transnational organised crime and safeguarding borders against illicit trade.

He stressed that the rapidly evolving nature of global threats demands deeper collaboration and a unified enforcement strategy among member states.

“When Customs administrations work together, enforcement becomes stronger, trade becomes safer, and the global economy becomes more resilient,” he said.

He emphasised that collective action remains central to addressing cross-border criminal networks, noting that no single administration can effectively tackle the complexity of modern illicit trade alone.

Adeniyi’s remarks underscored the growing importance of multilateral cooperation in Customs operations, particularly at a time when global supply chains are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation by criminal elements.

Also speaking at the session, Saunders highlighted the critical role of the Enforcement Committee in advancing the core mandate of Customs administrations worldwide.

He described enforcement as a cornerstone of efforts to protect society and ensure the integrity of international trade.

According to him, Customs enforcement serves multiple interconnected purposes, including preventing the movement of illicit and hazardous goods, safeguarding government revenue, and ensuring that legitimate trade flows efficiently and securely.

“Customs protects society by preventing the movement of illicit and hazardous goods.

“It safeguards trade integrity and revenue by ensuring that commercial activity is lawful and transparent, and it supports economic and regulatory compliance, enabling legitimate commerce to flow efficiently and securely,” Saunders said.

He further stressed that achieving these objectives requires sustained vigilance, supported by modern tools, robust systems, and effective procedures to anticipate, detect, and respond to emerging threats.

The session marks a historic milestone for the organisation, as it is the first time both the Council Chairperson and the Secretary-General jointly declared open the Enforcement Committee meeting.

The development signals a renewed institutional resolve to elevate enforcement as a strategic priority within the WCO.

Established in 1983, the Enforcement Committee remains one of the organisation’s key statutory bodies.

This year’s meeting is being held in a revamped format designed to deepen policy-driven discussions and enhance operational effectiveness among member administrations.

Participants at the session are expected to deliberate on critical issues shaping global Customs enforcement.

These include the review of the Committee’s Terms of Reference and Rules of Procedure, as well as the adoption of new and updated enforcement instruments aimed at strengthening global responses to illicit trade.

Discussions will also focus on the growing role of data and technology in tackling emerging threats, ongoing operations and projects, and broader strategic policy directions for the future of Customs enforcement.

In addition, the meeting is expected to develop forward-looking guidance to improve coordination among member states and reinforce international enforcement frameworks.

The outcomes of the session are anticipated to promote greater consistency in policy implementation and deepen cooperation across jurisdictions, in line with the WCO’s mandate to secure and facilitate global trade.

The 46th Session is chaired by Rebecca Johansen, with Oumou Kéita Traoré serving as Vice-Chairperson, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to inclusive leadership and shared responsibility in advancing global Customs enforcement objectives.