The Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), has applauded the Comptroller General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his visionary leadership in his first 100 days in office.
MAJAN gave this commendation in a press statement issued on its platform through the Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Odinukaeze.
MAJAN described the Customs Boss as exemplary team leader, an experienced Customs officer who has intelligence, expertise and modern skills to take the Service to greater heights.
The statement reads : “The Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria is commending the Customs Boss on his exceptional performance in inter-agency collaboration, renewed strategies to revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling drive.
“The CGC brought fresh impetus to bear in all aspects of Customs operations, entrenching a culture of discipline and professionalism.
“MAJAN as an association rates CGC Adeniyi high on managerial prowess, as he completes 100 days on the saddle.
“Since assumption in office, in June, 2023,
the enigmatic and charismatic Customs Boss has been building bridges and strengthening ties with stakeholders, other government organisations, security agencies,
host communities, traditional rulers and freight agents, all in a deliberate and sustained move to enhance efficiency in the system for greater economic growth.”
The MAJAN PRO added; “As a well trained career officer, CGC Adeniyi has rejigged Customs operations to place the highest premium on trade facilitation, safeguarding national security, operational effectiveness, anti-smuggling operations driven by intelligence and timely information sharing, as well as respect for human rights.”
He pointed out ; “As one, who is on a familiar terrain, Adeniyi’s first 100 days in office witnessed a clear intent to transform Customs and harness its full potentials through his 3-Point policy thrust; Collaboration, Consultation and Invitation.
“He makes no pretence on his resolve to tackle smuggling and other trans-border crimes.
It is quite glaring that CGC Adeniyi is on the march to leave an enduring legacy in Nigeria Customs Service, the maritime industry and the nation’s economy at large.”
He enthused ; “Looking at his pedigree, dedication to duties, tenacity, integrity and impressive performance in the past few months, MAJAN has strong confidence in his ability to completely turn things around for good, not only for Customs but Nigerian economy as well”.
Highlight of his achievements below.
As part of the innovative strategy in reviewing anti-smuggling operations of Customs, the CGC dissolved the Strikeforce Team on July 17, 2023, and strengthened the Federal Operations Unit of the Service nationwide.
“He successfully restored peace in Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, after years of internal crisis, rancour and wrangling which defied all solutions proferred by maritime stakeholders.
“He introduced a fitness programme for officers known as ‘Walk-Life Balance’ exercise. In terms of training, CGC Adeniyi has performed creditably with the Passing Out of Basic Course I/2023 Cadets, where 81 Cadets successfully finished their training
“Among some of the activities marking his 100 days in office, the Customs Boss pledged his support to establish Customs primary and Secondary Schools Nationwide. He successfully deployed Area Controllers to various Commands.
The CGC, on Monday, 14th August, extended a hand of fellowship to Dorian Home in Akure, Ondo State, an Orphanage home for Charity and Social Development.
“He equally expressed readiness of his management team to collaborate with National Center for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in the fight against the trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Recall that the Service in August 2023, intercepted 1,000 live ammunition concealed in 203 bags of foreign rice in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital.
“On Thursday, August 3, 2023, the Customs Boss visited the Ag. Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The visit sought inter-agencies’ cooperation and collaboration to fast-track sustainable working relationships.
“Also, the CGC has gone on a working visit to see top officials of Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps and Lagos State Governor, among many others.
By Ajibola Adedoye