…As Customs Boss Expresses Optimism In Sustaining 2024 Momentum
By Andrew Utulu
It was an exciting moment last week, when the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi received the “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year 2024” Award.
This award was organised by the Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NMJ). The organizing body comprised the various associations covering the maritime sector, which came together to make the occasion not only a reality, but also, a memorable one.
At the award ceremony last Thursday, February 13, 2025, the CGC expressed optimism in maintaining the positive trajectory of 2024, despite the challenges ahead.
He said: “Gradually, we are beginning to restore some sanity in the environment of policy formation and in the area of implementation, where we play a significant role.
“In 2025, we will continue in the same trajectory of ensuring that duty collection is done in an environment where there is ease in trade facilitation,” he stated.
On his award, the CGC was full of appreciation to maritime journalists for considering him for the honour. According to the Customs boss, “the symbolism of this award is that we have something that serve as a rallying point for all associations in the maritime journalism industry.”
He called for unity among maritime journalists and freight forwarders in the nation’s shipping industry, while also encouraging maritime journalists to engage in training programs that would make the association stand together and benefit more.
Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, Dele Aderibigbe, described the award as a unanimous decision by all maritime journalists. “This is the first time in the sub-sector everyone will come together to honour a deserving performer per excellence who has made the NCS and Nigeria proud by his purposeful, professional, and patriotic leadership.”
Some of the important personalities that graced the occasion, which took place at the Airport Hotel, Lagos, include the Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Lagos of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), ACG Charles Obih, ACG Charles Edike(Rtd); Olayiwola Shittu, former President, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), who was the Chairman of the occasion.
Others are Alh. Akeem Olarenwaju, Prince Olusegun Oduntan, Vice President ANLCA; Mr. T. Akao and numerous friends of the CG; among others.
