The Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has won the Media Promoter and Advocate of Press Freedom Award at the 70th Anniversary Gala/Award Night of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The award was presented by the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Hon. Mohammed Jatau, on behalf of the NUJ 70th Anniversary Committee at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
The prestigious event was part of the union’s landmark celebration, which also featured a keynote address, a book presentation, and the conferment of honorary awards to notable individuals who have made outstanding contributions to media development and the promotion of democratic values in Nigeria.
Receiving the award on behalf of CGC Adeniyi, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, expressed gratitude to the NUJ leadership for recognising the Comptroller-General’s consistent efforts in supporting journalism and enabling the media to function as a vital partner in nation-building.
“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.
“The CGC, being a communications professional himself, understands the indispensable role of the press in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountability. He has opened the doors of Customs to the media and empowered Public Relations Officers across commands to engage more transparently and professionally,” Maiwada stated.
He noted that under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, the Service has witnessed unprecedented improvement in media relations, stakeholder engagements, and proactive information dissemination, explaining that these factors have collectively boosted public trust and institutional integrity.
“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,” the spokesperson added.
Similarly, Retired Comptroller of Customs and Kanwan of Katsina, Comptroller UK Bello, was conferred with the Media Support Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to press freedom and his legacy of support for the media profession.
Comptroller Bello, who served as a Command PRO for nearly a decade and later as an Area Controller before his retirement, is widely respected for fostering a culture of openness and professional engagement throughout his career.
In his acceptance remarks, the Kanwan Katsina appreciated the NUJ for finding him worthy of the recognition and also commended CGC Adeniyi for his transformational leadership in the Service.
“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 said.
The recognition aligns with the NCS’s ongoing transformation, focusing on enhanced visibility, digitalisation, and strategic communication campaigns that resonate with national objectives.
