The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting media growth and development as a critical tool for effective dissemination of government policies. This was stated by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Finance and Business Online Publishers Association held at Lekki, Lagos. Adeniyi emphasized the vital role of the media in ensuring government policies are well communicated to the public.
The conference also had the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, urging media practitioners to shun sensationalism and partner with government in communicating accurate economic data. Oyedele stressed that public trust is strengthened when citizens clearly understand government actions, the rationale behind them, and the metrics for measuring progress.
The Minister further emphasized the need for government to provide timely information, welcome constructive scrutiny, and explain its decisions transparently. This, he said, would promote a better understanding of government policies and actions.
A highlight of the event was the conferment of the "Transformative Reforms and Leadership Excellence" Award on the Customs Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, by FiBOP. The award recognizes Adeniyi's exceptional stewardship, which has catalyzed a paradigm shift in Nigeria's trade and border management landscape.
According to FiBOP, Adeniyi has transformed the Service from a traditional revenue collector into a modern, globally compliant trade facilitator. His achievements include dismantling bureaucratic bottlenecks, streamlining cargo clearance procedures, and championing the Authorised Economic Operator scheme and the Time Release Study.
The Association also cited Adeniyi's deployment of non-intrusive inspection technologies, enhanced inter-agency intelligence sharing, intensified anti-smuggling operations, and the rollout of the Unified Customs Management System as key achievements. These have reduced port congestion, lowered the cost of doing business, and boosted revenue generation.
The Nigeria Customs Service's reaffirmation of its commitment to media growth and development is seen as a positive step towards promoting transparency and accountability in government. The award given to Adeniyi is a testament to his efforts to modernize and transform the Service.
Key points
- The Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting media growth and development.
- The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was awarded the "Transformative Reforms and Leadership Excellence" Award by FiBOP.
- The award recognizes Adeniyi's exceptional stewardship, which has catalyzed a paradigm shift in Nigeria's trade and border management landscape.
