By Nkechi Eze
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has been honoured with the “Public Service Person of the Year 2024”award by Leadership Newspaper at the 17th edition of its Leadership Conference and Awardsin Abuja. This prestigious accolade recognized his exceptional leadership and transformative reforms within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Organised by Leadership Newspaper, the event celebrated top-performing public officials, with CGC Adeniyi emerging as the standout choice after a rigorous selection process that evaluated over ten high-ranking government figures. The award was presented in recognition of his “transformative leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, ushering in a new era of transparency, operational efficiency, and improved revenue generation that has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economic stability.”
While accepting the award, CG Adeniyi, accompanied by his wife, Kikelomo Adeniyi, and senior officers from the NCS, expressed his deep gratitude and attributed the recognition to the collective efforts of the NCS personnel.
In his remarks, Adeniyi said: “This award is not just about me; it reflects the collective commitment to transparency, efficiency, and national development. I am deeply honoured by this recognition, but I know that the real credit goes to the incredible men and women of the Nigeria Customs Service who work tirelessly to drive change and innovation.”
He further stated, “This achievement is a testament to the progress we have made together in ensuring operational efficiency, enhancing revenue generation, and contributing to the overall stability of Nigeria’s economy. I am committed to continuing this journey of reform and modernization within the service, with a focus on integrity, accountability, and security.”
Adeniyi also emphasized the importance of modernization in the Customs sector, remarking: “Trade facilitation, effective border management, and the prevention of smuggling are critical to our national security and economic prosperity. We will continue to refine our processes and embrace innovative solutions to serve our country better.”
The CG’s speech resonated deeply with attendees, as he reiterated his dedication to ensuring that the NCS remain a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic development and security.
The event also honoured several other distinguished individuals, including Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, and state governors such as Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), and Abba Yusuf (Kano). Senators, private sector leaders, and other key figures were also recognized for their contributions to national development.
