Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, is set to receive the prestigious title of “Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year 2024” from Nigerian maritime journalists. This landmark recognition underscores his exceptional contributions to the nation’s maritime sector.
The award, organized by Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NMJ), represents a unanimous decision by practitioners across print, electronic, and online media, including prominent associations such as the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), League of Maritime Editors (LOME), and the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), among others.
In a nomination letter signed by the Secretary of the Award Planning Committee, Mr. Innocent Orok, Adeniyi’s leadership was praised for transformative achievements in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, trade facilitation, and inter-agency collaboration. The letter highlighted his efforts in modernizing the NCS through Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and enhancing staff welfare and corporate social responsibility.
“It is incontestable that your record-breaking performance has attracted national and international laurels to you, the Service, and Nigeria as a whole,” Orok noted. “Your leadership has not only repositioned the NCS but also reinforced Nigeria’s standing on the global maritime stage.”
Dele Aderibigbe, Chairman of the Award Planning Committee, emphasized the significance of the honor during the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This is the first time maritime journalists across all platforms have united to recognize an outstanding performer who has made the Customs and Nigeria proud through professional and patriotic leadership,” he stated.
The award ceremony, described as a historic event for the maritime industry, is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 16th January 2025, at the Apapa Port Customs Command Auditorium, Stakeholders, agency heads, and special guests have been invited to witness this momentous occasion, which aims to inspire excellence across the sector.