Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Bashir Adeniyi has said his recognition by LEADERSHIP Newspapers as the Public Service Person of the Year is an encouragement for him and his team to do more in trade facilitation and interception of contraband such as illegal drugs and weapons.
The CGC made the remarks on Monday when he hosted the management of LEADERSHIP Media Group in his Abuja office. The company’s Group Managing Director Muazu Elazeh led the delegation to present the nomination letter to the Customs boss.
Adewale is being honoured for his transformative leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, ushering in a new era of transparency, operational efficiency, and improved revenue generation that has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic stability.
“I am grateful for this gesture from LEADERSHIP. This is a testament that the society and of course the editorial board of LEADERSHIP Newspapers are watching what is going on,” he stated, adding that the realization that his activities are making the right impact motivates him to do more in facilitating trade and stamping out the entrance of contraband products across all the ports in Nigeria.
“Our intention is just to make a difference in the economic and security lives of Nigerians. The intention was to put measures in place to facilitate trade. We said we can now generate fair revenues that will not threaten the pre-existence of SMEs,” he stated during the visit.
Besides breaking the revenue target for 2024 to mark his one year in office, the CGC has tackled deeply rooted challenges within the NCS, such as systemic inefficiencies, entrenched corruption, and outdated operational practices. With his clear vision and unwavering dedication, he has systematically restructured the agency, demonstrating the remarkable potential for reform within Nigeria’s public sector.
Under his watch, the Customs Service collected a total sum of ₦6.1trn revenue in the same year-end 2024, surpassing its target of ₦5.079trn by ₦1.026, representing a 20.2% increase above the target. The ₦6.1trn revenue achievement represents a significant 90.4% increase from our 2023 collection of ₦3,206,583,002,675.65
Adeniyi assured the visitors that the Nigerian “society better and greater benefits of the Nigeria Customs Service. We will do even more now,” stating that the approach to work is provide service to Nigerians in line with its mandate.
Earlier, Alhaji Elazeh said the delegation was in his office to present the letter of nomination to Adewale and formally invite him to the 17th edition of the annual award for the recognition of individuals and companies that have distinguished themselves in their sectors.
Elazeh said the Customs CG is among the few Nigerians – like business mogul Aliko Dangote, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and some state governors that have distinguished themselves in their line of duty.
“We are pleased about anything and anyone that uplifts lives. And you are one of those few individuals we believe have made impact. Your impact in trade facilitation, helping government to rake in high revenues and curbing the influx of contrabands, including weapons and drugs are commendable,” he said.
The CGC emerged the winner of the position from a tight selection process as LEADERSHIP Public Service Person of the Year. The award would be presented to him and other awardees at the award ceremony and conference coming up on April 8th 2025.