The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has been named Public Service Person of the Year 2024 by Leadership Newspapers in recognition of his outstanding contributions to trade facilitation, revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, and innovation.
This was announced during an official visit by Leadership Newspaper executives to the CGC’s office at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, on Monday, 3 February 2025.
Regarding the selection process, Leadership Newspaper’s Managing Director Mu’azu Elazeh described the selection process as transparent and merit-based, stating that Adeniyi’s leadership stood out among all nominees.
“The editorial board considered several candidates, but your remarkable achievements in trade facilitation, anti-smuggling campaigns, and revenue generation made you the clear choice,” Elazeh stated.
He highlighted that, under Adeniyi’s leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) facilitated exports worth ₦130 trillion and imports worth ₦60 trillion in 2024, exceeding revenue targets and ensuring a more efficient trade environment.
Elazeh commended Adeniyi’s strategic public relations approach, noting that his engagement with stakeholders and the media had significantly enhanced NCS’s image.
“Your innovative PR approach has not only improved public perception of the Service but also strengthened trust between Customs and the business community,” he said.
Elazeh formally invited the CGC to the award presentation ceremony, scheduled for 8 April 2025, which will coincide with a conference on Nigeria’s Fiscal Federalism: Opportunities and Challenges.
Reacting to the award, Adeniyi expressed gratitude, stating that it reaffirmed the impact of ongoing reforms within the NCS.
“Our intention is to make a difference in the economic and security lives of Nigerians, and we are happy that we are gradually achieving this,” he said.
He further noted that by 22 November 2024, the NCS had already met its ₦5.1 trillion revenue target, surpassing ₦6 trillion by 1 December.
“But beyond revenue, our focus has been on creating a business-friendly environment, leveraging technology, and strengthening collaborations, which have ultimately translated into improved performance,” he added.
Adeniyi also highlighted that the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) ranked NCS as the Most Improved Agency in the Ease of Doing Business index, moving from 39th place in 2023 to the top in 2024.
He attributed this success to intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency partnerships, and professionalism within the Service.
Adeniyi pledged to deepen NCS’s partnership with Leadership Newspapers, extending beyond media coverage to include capacity-building initiatives.
“On behalf of every officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, to whom we dedicate this award, we extend our heartfelt appreciation and look forward to continued collaboration,” he stated.
