As the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) marks two years under the leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi, stakeholders across the maritime and trade sectors are lauding his tenure as a period of innovation, professionalism and renewed purpose.
Described by some as “God-sent” to the Service, CGC Adeniyi’s leadership has been characterized by strategic reforms, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and commitment to modernization.
From his background in Public Relations to his experience in Customs operations, many say he brought a rare blend of communication skill and operational insight to the role.
“He started running before hitting the ground”, one observer noted, referencing the CGC’s swift implementation of reforms and his emphasis on collaboration, consultation, and innovation.
Under his watch, the NCS has enhanced cutting-edge technologies, strengthened international partnerships, and prioritized officers’ welfare. These efforts have not only boosted revenue generation but also improved the Service’s image and efficiency.
As the CGC’s second anniversary is celebrated, voices from across the country continue to echo a shared sentiment: That the Customs Service is on a new trajectory – one marked by transparency, professionalism, and a renewed sense of national service.
*Kanwan Katsina Lauds CGC Adeniyi’s Transformational Leadership at Two-Year Mark*
A former Controller of Nigeria Customs Service and Kanwan Katsina District Head of Ketare, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, has lauded the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, for his impactful and visionary leadership since assuming office two years ago.
Describing CGC Adeniyi as a seasoned administrator, the Kanwan Katsina highlighted the CGC’s groundbreaking modernization of the Nigeria Customs Service through the development and deployment of an indigenous information technology platform, B’Odogwu. According to Alhaji Bello Kankara, this homegrown solution is a good development in Nigeria’s technological growth.
He further commended the CGC for launching the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) initiative, which prioritizes compliant businesses by facilitating faster cargo clearance. This move, he noted, has significantly enhanced trade facilitation and strengthened trust between the service and the business community.
On capacity building, the traditional ruler commended the CGC’s commitment to continuous training and professional development, which has improved manpower and operational effectiveness throughout the service.
The retired Controller also emphasized the positive outcomes of CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, including the consistent surpassing of revenue targets and a steady increase in export volumes. He credited these achievements to a blend of strategic reforms, enhanced enforcement efforts at borders and ports, and improved officer morale.
Highlighting the CGC’s dedication to personnel welfare, he acknowledged the regular promotion exercises that have taken place under his tenure, noting these have motivated officers to perform at their best.
Kanwan Katsina described CGC Adeniyi’s tenure as a model of transformational leadership marked by innovation, transparency, and exceptional results.
Reflecting on his personal experiences working alongside Adeniyi—especially during their time in the Public Relations Unit—the Kanwan Katsina
recollected that he took over from CGC Adeniyi as PRO of Tin Can Island Port Command when Adeniyi was redeployed to the headquarters PR Unit.
Kanwan Katsina who worked with Adeniyi for so many years in the PR Unit is highly impressed by the CGC’s qualities and his several engagement with stakeholders in the business community to move Nigeria Customs forward.
He described the CGC’s tenure as a hallmark of transformational leadership defined by transparency, innovation, and results. It could be seen that CGC Adeniyi has repositioned the NCS for better performance and efficiency.
“Adewale Adeniyi has not only repositioned the Nigeria Customs Service, he has inspired confidence in its future,” the Kanwan Katsina affirmed.