The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has been named the Public Service Person of the Year 2024 at the 17th Leadership Conference and Awards held in Abuja. This prestigious event, organized by the Leadership Group, saw Adeniyi stand out for his remarkable leadership and reformative influence within the NCS.
Adeniyi was selected from a competitive pool of more than ten distinguished public officials. His transformational leadership of the NCS has been credited with improving transparency, boosting operational efficiency, and significantly enhancing the country’s revenue generation. The event was a celebration of his efforts to make the Customs Service an essential player in ensuring the economic stability of Nigeria.
Accompanied by his wife, Kikelomo Adeniyi, and several senior officers of the NCS, the Comptroller-General expressed his deep gratitude as he received the award. In his acceptance speech, he emphasized that the award was not just a personal achievement but a recognition of the collective efforts of his team. “This award is not just about me; it reflects the collective commitment to transparency, efficiency, and national development,” he noted.
Adeniyi further promised to continue spearheading reforms within the NCS, with a focus on modernizing systems, facilitating trade, and combating smuggling activities that threaten Nigeria’s security. His leadership has already led to significant advancements, positioning the NCS as a key institution in the country’s economic and security frameworks.
He dedicated the award to his team, noting that their commitment to integrity and accountability played a critical role in the recognition. Adeniyi also stressed that the honor would serve as motivation for further innovation and reforms within the NCS. His words resonated as he reaffirmed his vision for improving national borders management, which plays a crucial part in securing the nation.
The event also witnessed the presence of several high-profile individuals, including business magnate Aliko Dangote, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and state governors such as Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, and others. Members of the National Assembly and private sector leaders were also in attendance, underscoring the importance of the award and Adeniyi’s influence in the public service sector.
