By Joy Enamuna
The President of Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, has described the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, as a cerebral administrator whose innovative ideas are repositioning the Nigeria Customs Service for global competitiveness.
Ukatu made the commendation in a telephone interview with journalists on Tuesday while felicitating with the customs boss on his 60th birthday and the celebration of International Customs Day 2026.
He noted that Adeniyi’s exemplary professionalism had earned him notable recognition, including his appointment as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation’s Board of Council and the extension of his tenure by President Bola Tinubu.
“The exemplary professionalism that has been demonstrated by CG Adeniyi over the years has earned him rare reviews, the chairmanship position at the Board of Council, World Customs Organisation and the elongation of his tenure as the Comptroller-General of Customs by the president of Nigeria,” Ukatu stated.
The market leader, whose association oversees over 58 specialised markets across Nigeria, praised Adeniyi for leveraging his public relations expertise to enhance the service’s efficiency in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and protection of the national economy.
He described the customs chief as youthful, energetic and brilliant despite turning 60, adding that Nigeria was fortunate to have such a person leading the NCS and chairing the WCO board.
Ukatu also commended the service for surpassing its 2025 revenue target by generating N7.281trn, describing the achievement as significant for the nation’s economy.
“I join my voice with the Federal Government to commend the NCS led by CGC Adeniyi on its positive step towards improving revenue collection and national security. The N7.281 trillion revenue generated by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025 is a significant achievement, exceeding the annual target,” he said.
While acknowledging the service’s intelligence-led operations against prohibited goods, Ukatu called for effective implementation of ongoing reforms, transparent measures to tackle corruption, and improved welfare for customs officers.
He urged the customs service to adopt more trade-friendly policies rather than focus solely on revenue targets, stressing the need to enhance trade facilitation.
“Nigeria Customs Service should also explore further ways on implementation of AfCFTA agreements in order to promote pan-African trade,” the market leader added.
Ukatu wished the comptroller-general many more years of vibrant service to the nation in sound health.
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