The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the Service are set to receive separate honours for what organisers describe as outstanding contributions to trade facilitation, economic reform and public service delivery.
The recognition, coming from Democracy Newsline Newspaper, will see the NCS named “Most Compliant Government Agency in Trade Facilitation,” while Adeniyi will receive the “Excellent Public Service Leadership” award.
The awards place renewed focus on the reforms and administrative changes recorded by the Customs Service under Adeniyi, particularly in the areas of automation, revenue mobilisation, border security, anti-smuggling operations and the ease of doing business.
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Democracy Newsline, Chief Olugbemi Femi, said the honours were based on the Service’s growing role in supporting Nigeria’s economic reform agenda.
“Under CG Bashir Adeniyi’s leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded unprecedented strides in trade facilitation, automation, revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations,” Femi said.
He described the NCS as a model of compliance with international trade standards and a key partner in Nigeria’s economic development, while commending Adeniyi for what he described as visionary leadership, professionalism and commitment to staff welfare.
The Service has, among other initiatives, advanced the implementation of the B’Odogwu Trade Portal, expanded the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, strengthened border security and deepened collaboration with other government agencies.
The twin awards will be presented on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, during the 16th Public Lecture of Democracy Newsline at the Banquet Hall, National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.
The event, which also marks 27 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, is themed “Economic Reform and Sustainable Development in a Democracy: The Nigeria Experience.”
Kogi State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, FCA, will deliver the keynote address, while veteran broadcaster Chief (Mrs) Moji Makanjuola will chair the occasion.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, is expected as Special Guest of Honour, while HRH Akogun Isiaq Ajibola, former MD/CEO of Daily Trust Limited, is the patron.
The organisers said officers and men of the NCS, trade sector stakeholders and members of the public are expected at the ceremony.
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