The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has reiterated the commitment of the management he leads to fairness, meritocracy, and professionalism, adding that capacity and integrity, not origin or connections, should guide appointments and deployments within the service.
The CGC who was speaking while inaugurating the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) Office and the Senior Officers Mess and Gym, said that he saw himself as a product of merit and fairness, and believes that anyone, irrespective of where they come from, should be given an opportunity if they are capable.
His words: “Whether your forefathers landed in Badagry in 1752 or not, if you have the capacity, we will give you a chance.”
The CGC acknowledged support and commitment of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA) to the welfare of officers and their families. He praised his wife, Mrs. Kikelomo Adeniyi, for her leadership in advancing skills acquisition and economic empowerment programs for customs officers’ wives nationwide.
He noted that the first set of trainees from the Customs Officers’ Wives Skills Acquisition Center in Abuja, launched by First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu, would be graduating later in the week with specialities in areas such as bread making, hairdressing, computer literacy, and small business operations.
He was delighted that officers’ wives have been useful and become invaluable ambassadors, adding that their support has helped officers to function better.
Hailing the new gym and officers’ mess as part of a broader welfare package designed to promote work-life balance and healthy living, he commended the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo for his consistent record of excellence and community engagement.
According to the CGC, Oramalugo’s track record had been a deciding factor in his strategic redeployment across key commands over the years.
Assuring officers that future deployments and promotions would continue to be merit-based, the CGC disclosed that the last set of controller deployments and assignments were based strictly on promotion exam rankings, ensuring that high performers were matched with the most strategic commands.
“We can achieve a very healthy balance between fairness and merit and still get our system going. Your performance will speak louder than any recommendation. Prepare well for your promotion exams, because not everyone can move up in the pyramid,” he advised.
Earlier in his welcome address at the inauguration of the facilities, the Area Controller, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo PhD, enjoined officers to let the renovated Officers’ Mess be a place where they forge stronger bonds and renew their commitment to the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service. He also charged the officers to make the COWA Office Complex a beacon of hope, empowering their families and communities, adding that they must together continue to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and discipline in all their endeavors.
Oramalugo described the event as a landmark one for the Command as it is deeply honoured to have the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, to personally grace the occasion to inaugurate the remarkable projects.
“Sir, your presence is a testament to your unwavering commitment to the welfare of our officers and the progress of the Nigeria Customs Service. On behalf of the entire Seme Area Command, I say a resounding thank you,” the controller said in appreciation of the CGC’s presence.
He noted that the event was more than the unveiling of physical structures but a celebration of the officers’ resolved commitment to teamwork, dedication, and the shared vision of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of CGC BA Adeniyi MFR to create an enabling environment for officers and their families.
Oramalugo maintained that the renovated Officers’ Mess stands as a symbol of the command’s commitment to improving the welfare and morale of our personnel, providing more conducive space for relaxation, camaraderie, and professional bonding.
Similarly, he stated that the new COWA Office Complex represents the command’s recognition of the invaluable contributions of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association in supporting officers, fostering community development and promoting the well-being of families within the Seme Command.
Disclosing that the journey to this moment has been one of collective effort, he commended the officers and men of the Command for their relentless dedication to duty, which has created the foundation for achievements being witnessed.
“Your professionalism in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling has not only strengthened our Command but also contributed significantly to national economic development,” he said as he praised the command’s officers and men.
He announced that the command collected a total sum of Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Three, Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Four Naira and Eighty-Five Kobo (N2, 833,454,444.85k) from January to April 2025.
In terms of export, he informed that the Command processed over One Hundred and Eighty-Four Thousand (184,000) metric tonnes of export goods valued at over Thirty-Six Billion Naira (N36 billion).
The controller lauded the command’s strategies on anti-smuggling which have resulted in many arrest and seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of over Eight Hundred Million Naira, a feat that underscores the command’s commitment to excellence and zero tolerance to smuggling.
He expressed his heartfelt appreciation to members of COWA, for their tireless efforts in community engagement, empowerment programs, and support for officers’ families which have been instrumental in bringing the COWA office complex to reality.
“This new facility will undoubtedly enhance your capacity to carry out your noble initiatives, and I am confident it will serve as a hub for innovation and positive impact in our border community,” he told the COWA members.
The controller commended sister security agencies, saying that their synergy with the Nigeria Customs Service has strengthened the resolve to secure borders and maintain peace in this region.
Oramalugo lauded the Comptroller General for his visionary leadership which has been the driving force behind the modernization and transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“Your policy thrust, centered on collaboration, consolidation and innovation has inspired us at Seme Area Command to push boundaries and achieve milestones. The projects you are to commission today are a direct reflection of your emphasis on officers’ welfare and operational excellence. We are immensely grateful for your guidance and support,” he told the CGC.