The Public Relations Unit and the Kano/Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) emerged as major winners at the 2025 Comptroller-General of Customs Award Night, securing multiple recognitions for their remarkable achievements.
The CGC Conference drew to a close with an award night and gala dinner on Friday, November 21, 2025, as the NCS reaffirmed its commitment to promoting excellence, professionalism, and stronger internal collaboration.
The ceremony provided a platform to celebrate outstanding performances by Commands, Units, and individual officers, including a notable recognition for the Public Relations Unit. The conference focused on improving synergy, operational efficiency, and institutional reforms — and brought together Management members, Comptrollers, Senior Officers, and invited guests to honour the contributions that shaped the Service’s achievements throughout the year.
A significant highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Public Relations Unit for its outstanding contributions to strategic communication, media visibility, and stakeholder engagement.
The Unit was applauded for effectively projecting Customs reforms and achievements, particularly during the C-PACT Summit and the 2025 CGC Conference. Its efforts in countering misinformation, building public trust, and enhancing understanding of Customs operations were central to the honour.
Similarly, the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, led by Comptroller Abubakar Dalhatu, emerged as one of the top honourees of the night.
The Command clinched the award for the Most Improved Command, following its remarkable performance in revenue generation, high-profile currency seizures, and strengthened enforcement outcomes. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Tahir Balarabe, also won the Best Public Relations Officer of the Year Award — a testament to his exceptional work in visibility management, crisis communication, and proactive stakeholder engagement.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, commended officers for their dedication, noting that the Service had surpassed its 2025 revenue target even before the start of the conference.
CGC Adeniyi described the Service’s performance as a reflection of the collective resolve demonstrated across enforcement operations, trade facilitation initiatives, and modernisation programmes.
“Tonight is about celebrating ourselves. We have worked hard, delivered results, and strengthened the pillars that define our mandate. It is only right that we pause to acknowledge excellence within the Service,” he said.
Several other Commands, Units, and officers were equally honoured for distinguished service in areas such as leadership, innovation, discipline, community relations, anti-smuggling operations, and trade facilitation. The recognitions highlighted the diverse and critical roles played across formations in advancing the Service’s modernisation drive.
The ceremony concluded with renewed commitments from officers to deepen professionalism, foster unity, and sustain the momentum of reforms as the NCS prepares for the year ahead.
