Nigeria Customs Celebrates Outstanding Officers at 2024 CGC Awards Night
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) rolled out the red carpet on Friday, 29 November 2024, as the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, hosted the highly anticipated 2024 CGC Excellence Awards Night.
Held in Abuja, the event celebrated exceptional officers whose dedication to duty has significantly advanced the Service’s mission of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations.
The ceremony drew a distinguished audience, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the National Assembly, and key law enforcement agencies.
Notable attendees included Mr Olawale Edun, Chairman of the Nigeria Customs Service Board and Representative of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Senator Isah Jibril, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs; Hon Leke Abejide, Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise; and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
The event underscored the pivotal role of the NCS in strengthening national security and economic stability.
IGP Egbetokun applauded the Service’s critical contributions, emphasising the robust partnership between the NCS and the Nigeria Police Force as a cornerstone of the nation’s security framework.
In his keynote address, CGC Adeniyi underscored the importance of celebrating excellence within the Service. “This strategic shift springs from our belief that positive reinforcement nurtures a more dynamic, motivated, and high-performing workforce,” he remarked.
The awards, he explained, signal a departure from the traditional focus on punitive measures, instead placing a premium on recognising exceptional contributions.
CGC Adeniyi candidly addressed the hurdles faced by the NCS in 2024, including a 15% revenue deficit inherited from 2023.
Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to overcoming obstacles and achieving its objectives.
He urged officers to remain steadfast in upholding the core values of integrity, professionalism, and humanity in their service to the nation.
Ali Muhammad, Director of Home Finance at the Ministry of Finance and Representative of the Honourable Minister, praised CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, noting that recognising excellence not only boosts morale but also drives productivity.
“This initiative is a testament to the CGC’s forward-thinking approach and its positive impact on the Service,” he stated.
The IGP echoed these sentiments, describing the collaboration between the NCS and the Nigeria Police Force as an exemplary model of inter-agency synergy.
The evening reached its zenith with the recognition of officers who have excelled in various capacities.
Among the awardees was Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Folusho Adeogun, Liaison Officer at the Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN), whose contributions were celebrated as a shining example of dedication and professionalism.
The ceremony reaffirmed the NCS’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of excellence. By spotlighting the accomplishments of its personnel, the Service aims to inspire its workforce to greater heights, thereby enhancing its ability to serve the nation effectively.
The 2024 CGC Excellence Awards Night marked a significant milestone for the NCS, reinforcing the importance of innovation, teamwork, and exemplary service in shaping a brighter future for the country.
