By Joy Enamuna

Maritime Journalists Advocate for More Support to Strengthen Customs Operations

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has received widespread commendation for successfully persuading the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) levy on imports.

The recognition came during the presentation of the “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year Award 2024” to Adeniyi by Nigerian maritime journalists in Lagos on Thursday.

Industry Leaders Hail the Decision

Speaking at the event, former National President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu JP, described the suspension as a major relief for importers and Customs agents. He praised Adeniyi, calling him a leader who understands both Customs operations and the challenges faced by freight forwarders.

Shittu, who chaired the occasion, recalled how Adeniyi played a crucial advisory role during his tenure at ANLCA, guiding him with valuable insights. He congratulated the Customs boss on receiving the prestigious award from maritime journalists, whom he referred to as the “watchdogs of the sector.”

Similarly, Alhaji Hakeem Olanrewaju, Chairman of the Customs Consultative Council, highlighted Adeniyi’s leadership qualities, commending him for his dedication to improving Nigeria’s maritime and trade environment. He urged Customs-licensed agents to adapt to the evolving industry landscape and embrace positive changes.

Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership Strengthened

Prince Olusegun Oduntan, Vice President of ANLCA, applauded Adeniyi’s grassroots leadership approach, noting that his willingness to listen to stakeholders has fostered significant improvements in the sector. He assured that ANLCA would continue to collaborate with Customs to enhance trade facilitation and compliance.

Adding to the accolades, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, National President of the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), described Adeniyi as a natural leader and a man of integrity. He revealed that Adeniyi had demonstrated leadership qualities from his university days, serving as a class captain, department president, and later as a Man O’ War leader. Ogunojemite emphasized that despite Adeniyi’s current position, he has remained humble and committed to his old friends.

Maritime Journalists Commend Adeniyi’s Performance

Speaking on behalf of maritime journalists, Mr. Oke Ibeke praised Adeniyi’s exceptional performance in revenue collection, anti-smuggling efforts, and trade facilitation. He noted that for the first time, journalists from various media platforms unanimously agreed to honor a chief executive officer in the maritime sector—not for flattery, but in recognition of his transformative impact.

Ibeke credited President Bola Tinubu for appointing Adeniyi, stating that the CGC has justified the confidence reposed in him. He emphasized the critical role of Customs in Nigeria’s economic development and urged the Federal Government to provide more power and political backing to enable the Service to fulfill its mandate effectively.