By: Joy Enamuna

… As NMJ Names Him “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year”

In the next 72 hours, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, will be honored by the Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NMJ) as the “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year 2024.”

Princess Chi Eze, Deputy President of Seaport Operations for the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and a member of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), has commended this recognition.

Popularly known as Akwaugo 1, Princess Chi lauded the CGC’s outstanding leadership and transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), describing the award as well-deserved.

“The maritime media’s decision to honor CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is a testament to his remarkable leadership,” she said.

“The Federal Government made no mistake in appointing him. He has rebranded the Customs Service and elevated its operations to new heights.”

She also applauded the unity among the seven media associations, including MARAN, LOME, AMJON, MAJAN, SCAN, OMMAN, and CONMMEP, which collectively endorsed the CGC for the award.

In a press statement, Innocent Orok, Secretary of the Award Planning Committee, outlined the CGC’s exceptional contributions, citing achievements in revenue collection, anti-smuggling operations, trade facilitation, ICT modernization, and staff welfare.

“The CGC’s record-breaking performance has not only benefited the Customs Service but has also attracted national and international recognition,” Orok said. “He has proven to be a visionary leader, earning the admiration of the maritime community.”

Dele Aderibigbe, Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, added that this honor aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing the CGC’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s economy.

“This is a historic moment,” Aderibigbe stated. “For the first time, all maritime journalists have united to celebrate a leader who has truly transformed the Customs Service. Under his leadership, the NCS has excelled in revenue collection, anti-smuggling activities, and inter-agency collaboration, positioning Nigeria as a global maritime leader.”

The award ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Apapa Port Customs Command Auditorium at 12 noon. Maritime stakeholders, agency heads, and special guests have been invited to witness this landmark event, which underscores the CGC’s unparalleled contributions to the sector.