By Nkechi Eze
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, has called for stronger national unity, patriotism and renewed commitment to public service as the Service hosted Ramadan Iftar gatherings bringing together government officials, security chiefs and key stakeholders in Abuja.
The events, organised as part of activities during the holy month of Ramadan, underscored the Service’s commitment to fostering collaboration, spiritual reflection and stronger institutional partnerships.
The first gathering was held on March 4, 2026, at the Dunes Hotel in Abuja, where Adeniyi hosted senior government officials, diplomats, captains of industry, security leaders and members of the Customs management team, both serving and retired.
Representatives of sister security agencies and senior media executives were also in attendance.
Addressing the gathering, the Customs boss described Ramadan as a sacred period of discipline, reflection and devotion, urging Nigerians to apply the lessons of the season to national development and service.
“Ramadan is a period that requires absolute dedication to faith. It is a time when we turn to God in prayer and seek guidance in all that we do,” Adeniyi said.
He urged participants to reflect the values of patience, integrity and compassion in their professional and personal lives.
“I encourage all of us to carry the lessons of this season into our daily lives, in our interactions with one another, with our families, in our businesses and most importantly, in our service to the nation,” he added.
Adeniyi stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends largely on unity, collective responsibility and unwavering commitment to national development.
According to him, Nigerians must remain resolute in their pursuit of peace, economic growth and national stability.
“This period calls for total dedication to the service of the country. We must remain united in our commitment to national unity, in our pursuit of economic prosperity and in our determination to strengthen peace and progress in Nigeria,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, Ali Muhammad, Director of Home Finance at the Federal Ministry of Finance, praised the leadership of the Customs Service for implementing reforms aimed at strengthening trade administration and boosting government revenue.
He highlighted the increasing use of technology by the Service to modernise customs processes, particularly the indigenous digital trade platform known as B’Odogwu, which he described as a major step toward improving efficiency and transparency in cargo clearance.
Muhammad noted that the reforms align with the Federal Government’s economic recovery agenda, adding that they would enhance trade facilitation, reduce operational bottlenecks and strengthen Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.
In her goodwill message, Jummai Umar-Ajijola, Managing Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, commended the Customs leadership for driving innovation and institutional reforms within the Service.
She also referenced the recent international technology conference held in Abu Dhabi, where the Nigeria Customs Service showcased the B’Odogwu digital platform, attracting considerable interest from global stakeholders who praised the Service’s indigenous technology-driven approach to customs administration.
Meanwhile, as part of its Ramadan activities, the Customs management also hosted another Iftar dinner at the Service headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, on March 5, 2026.
The event, organised by Trade Modernisation Project Limited, brought together officers and personnel of the Service in an atmosphere of unity and reflection as Muslim officers observed the breaking of the fast.
Speaking during the gathering, Adeniyi reminded officers of the deeper spiritual significance of the season, urging them to embrace self-discipline, compassion and unity.
“I pray that the Almighty will answer all our prayers. We pray that during the remaining days of Ramadan and Lent, all our supplications will be accepted,” he said.
He further encouraged officers to show love and understanding toward one another during the period.
“We should also be reminded that during this period, we are expected to demonstrate love and affection for each other. I want to wish you a remarkable and memorable fasting period, and may we witness many more Ramadans and Lenten seasons,” he added.
The Ramadan Iftar gatherings, according to officials, reflect the Service’s commitment to strengthening internal cohesion, promoting ethical leadership and building stronger partnerships with stakeholders in support of national development.
