Customs CGC Adeniyi Honoured With Daily Times Heroes Award For Public Service

By Suleiman Aremu | Solaremnews | Sunday, 6 September 2026

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has been honoured with the prestigious Daily Times Heroes Award for his contributions to public service, national development and the transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Adeniyi received the award on Thursday, 3 September 2026, at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja as part of activities marking the centenary celebration of the Daily Times newspaper.

The event brought together prominent personalities from government, business, traditional institutions and other sectors of society to recognise individuals and organisations whose contributions have had significant impact on Nigeria’s development.

Receiving the award, Adeniyi described the recognition as a source of inspiration to him and the Nigeria Customs Service, stressing that public servants should be encouraged to do more whenever their efforts are acknowledged.

“It’s very good when you do something, and you are recognised; this should be an inspiration to us to do much better,” Adeniyi said.

The Customs helmsman dedicated the honour to the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, acknowledging their dedication, commitment and sacrifices in protecting the nation’s borders, facilitating legitimate trade and contributing to national development.

He also credited the achievement to the collective efforts of the Service, noting that the progress recorded by the NCS could not be attributed to one individual.

Adeniyi further recognised the role of compliant citizens and stakeholders in improving the effectiveness of public institutions, stressing that greater cooperation and compliance with established regulations would enable the Customs Service to perform its statutory responsibilities more efficiently.

Under his leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to focus on strengthening revenue generation, improving trade facilitation and modernising its operations to meet contemporary demands.

A major component of the Service’s reform agenda is the acceleration of measures aimed at making customs procedures more efficient, transparent and technology-driven, while reducing barriers to legitimate businesses and strengthening government revenue.

Adeniyi also highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, noting that the NCS remains committed to supporting its implementation and positioning Nigeria to take greater advantage of opportunities arising from increased intra-African trade.

He said the Service would continue to pursue initiatives that promote compliance, facilitate legitimate commerce and strengthen its contribution to the nation’s economic growth.

The Daily Times Heroes Award adds to the recognition of Adeniyi’s efforts in leading the Nigeria Customs Service at a period of significant institutional reforms and increased expectations for the Service to contribute more effectively to Nigeria’s fiscal and economic objectives.

The centenary celebration of the Daily Times provided an opportunity to honour individuals and institutions considered to have played notable roles in shaping the country’s development across different sectors.

For Adeniyi, the recognition underscores the importance of collective responsibility in public service, as he reaffirmed his commitment to working with the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service, stakeholders and compliant citizens to deliver more effectively on the Service’s mandate.