The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to supporting the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA), stressing that institutions dedicated to recognising excellence deserve the backing of all Nigerians.
Adeniyi made the commitment on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, while receiving the Acting Secretary of the Nigerian National Merit Award, Mercy Musa, and members of the agency’s management team during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The Customs boss described the NNMA as a vital institution for promoting intellectual and professional excellence in the country, noting that recognising outstanding achievements would inspire younger generations to embrace hard work, innovation and dedication as the path to success.
According to him, honouring individuals who make significant contributions to national development reinforces the values of excellence and merit, while encouraging young Nigerians to strive for greatness through commitment and perseverance.
“What we are doing is so important because we want the younger generations of Nigerians to know that there is no shortcut to greatness. They have to put in hard work and commitment. When a government agency recognises discoveries, innovations and excellence, it deserves the support of all Nigerians,” Adeniyi said.
He recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service had supported the National Merit Award Office in the past and assured the delegation that the Service would continue to explore lawful avenues to strengthen its partnership with the agency and support its operations.
Earlier, the Acting Secretary of the Nigerian National Merit Award, Mercy Musa, congratulated the Comptroller-General on the extension of his tenure and his recent election as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, describing both achievements as a reflection of his diligence, professionalism and dedication to public service.
She explained that the Nigerian National Merit Award remains the country’s highest honour for intellectual and professional excellence, adding that since its establishment in 1979, only 79 Nigerians have been conferred with the prestigious award, underscoring its exclusivity and significance.
