Customs Boss Honoured at NUJ 70th Anniversary for Championing Press Freedom, National Development

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has been honoured with the “Media Promoter and Advocate of Press Freedom Award” by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in recognition of his unwavering support for responsible journalism, transparency, and national development.

The prestigious award was conferred during the 70th Anniversary Gala and Award Night of the NUJ, held on Saturday, 21 June 2025, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

The event formed a central part of the NUJ@70 celebrations, which also featured a keynote address, a book presentation, and the conferment of honorary awards on individuals who have made landmark contributions to media advancement and the promotion of democratic ideals in Nigeria.

The award to the Customs boss was presented by the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Rt Hon Mohammed Jatau, on behalf of the NUJ 70th Anniversary Committee.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Comptroller-General, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, conveyed the Service’s gratitude to the leadership of the NUJ.

He commended the Union for acknowledging CGC Adeniyi’s commitment to empowering the media and promoting open engagement.

“This recognition is a profound honour for the Nigeria Customs Service, and it speaks volumes about the kind of leadership we have under CGC Adewale Adeniyi,” Maiwada remarked. “The CGC, being a communications professional himself, understands the indispensable role of the press in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountability.”

Maiwada highlighted how Adeniyi’s leadership has transformed media relations within the Service. He noted that Public Relations Officers across various Customs Commands have been empowered to engage with journalists more professionally and transparently, boosting public confidence and enhancing institutional integrity.

He further affirmed, “This award will serve as motivation to do even more. The Service will continue to deepen its partnership with the media, support journalists in their work, and uphold the values of transparency and open communication in line with global customs best practices.”

Also honoured on the night was retired Comptroller of Customs, Comptroller UK Bello, the Kanwan Katsina, who received the NUJ’s Media Support Award.

The accolade recognises his legacy of promoting press freedom and building enduring relationships with the media throughout his career.

Comptroller Bello, who served as a Command Public Relations Officer for nearly a decade before becoming an Area Controller, is renowned for championing professional engagement and accessibility.

In his acceptance remarks, the Kanwan Katsina expressed gratitude to the NUJ for the recognition and lauded the present Comptroller-General for his visionary leadership.

“I thank the NUJ for this honour, which I dedicate to all Service officers who believe in the power of communication. I also commend the CGC for his good work and for sustaining the reforms we all hoped to see,” he stated.

The accolades come at a time when the Nigeria Customs Service is redefining its public image through enhanced visibility, digital transformation, and strategic communication – efforts that align with broader national development goals.

The 70th anniversary celebration served as a powerful reminder of the NUJ’s enduring legacy as the voice of the media profession in Nigeria.

It highlighted the values of courage, commitment, and collaboration, reinforcing the indispensable role of the press in a democratic society.