Customs Boss Bags Iconic Maritime Personality Award.

Customs Boss Bags Iconic Maritime Personality Award.
… Calls For Unity Among Maritime Journalists.

By Joe Njoku,
Global Freight News.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, bags “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year 2024.” During the presentation, he suggested that the maritime beat associations should come together under one umbrella in order to achieve a greater feat.

Speaking at an event organised in his honour at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja Lagos, he appeal to maritime stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of Maritime Journalists covering the sector.

He emphasised the importance of improving the living conditions of Maritime Journalists, adding that, as the major key players in sector prospers, so also should the Maritime Journalists, he said.

He said that the Customs Service could do alot for the maritime journalists if they can speak with one voice.

He expressed concern on the proliferation of beat associations in the maritime media practice and multiple associations in the clearing and forwarding business.

He therefore, called on major key players in the sector to prioritize the welfare of maritime journalists, pointing out that as entrepreneurs in the industry grow, the welfare of maritime journalists should also be a ficus for all agencies they report their activities.

He highlighted his journey from a two star public relations officer to Comptroller-General, he underscored the mutual support between journalists and the Customs Service. He urged the journalists to develop initiatives to their welfare programme, suggesting ideas such as insurance cover and housing scheme for journalists in the maritime industry.

Adeniyi described the award as significant, noting that it was the first time in the history of the maritime journalists to form a united front to award a single stakeholder. He encouraged the maritime journalists to collapse the multiple associations into one unified front to protect the interest of the maritime industry.

Also, he called on the freight forwarding practitioners, drawing parallels between their story and that of the maritime journalists. Adeniyi called on freight forwarders and licensed customs agents to unify under one umbrella to gain the respect of policy makers. He challenged industry leaders, such as Prince Olayiwola Shittu and Alhaji Hakeem Olarenwaju, to work towards uniting the associations and to also speak with one voice in the industry.

Speaking at the occasion, Assistant comptroller General in charge of Zone A, ACG Charles Orbih, enthusiastically affirmed that, “The conferment of this golden award of Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year 2024 on the Comptroller-General of Customs reflects the remarkable transformation that has occurred within the Service under his stewardship. The modernisation of the Nigeria Customs procedure, strengthening of risk management system and optimization of revenue collection processes have yielded unprecedented results. In the past one year, we have exceeded revenue collections in a very remarkable way. Our target was #5.079 trillion, but we exceeded it by collecting #6.1 trillion, contributing significantly to the Federal Government’s fiscal objectives. Under his leadership, the Service has fostered stronger relationship with other government agencies, international organizations and the private sector including the maritime industry players present here. These strategic alliances have improved intelligence sharing, leading to effective joint operations in combating smuggling and other forms of Customs offenses.”

He hinged on the successes recorded on the cordial and friendly atmosphere with which the Service operated under the leadership of CGC Adeniyi. He said, “The harmonious relationship has also facilitated trade, reduce clearance time, and enhanced clearance time, and enhanced compliance levels among stakeholders. The deployment of cutting-edge technology has revolutionized our operations. Advanced scanning system and digitalized solutions have significantly improved our cargo examination processes and risk management capabilities.”

“These innovations have reduced cargo dwelling time and improved ease of doing business at various ports. Sir, your leadership excellence has inspired a generation of customs officers who can now approach their duty with a renewed vigor and commitment. The emphasis on continuous training and capacity building has equipped our officers with the knowledge and skills needed to meet contemporary customs challenges. The result is a more competent and confident workforce that consistently deliver on its mandates. The international recognition generated by the Nigeria Customs Service under your leadership speaks volumes. From the World Customs, the ACG observed.”

This honour does not just reflect your personal achievements, but the collective success of the entire Nigeria Customs Service under your visionary leadership. May the good Lord continue to protect you, guide you, and give you the best that the Nigeria Customs Service need to move the nation forward. Thank you very much and God bless you,” he concluded.

The award night was grace by members of customs high command, eminent personalities in the industry, including the provost, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, Prince Seguin Oduntan, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, Dr Eugene Nweke, and Chief Remi Ogungbemi, ACG Charles Orbih and all customs area controllers, long time friend of the Comptroller-General amongst others