“One Good Turn, Deserves Another”: If I were to name this article a “general public opinion,” it would undoubtedly face no objection. The definitive evidence it contains speaks for itself. I invite you to “carefully” follow these lines and form your testimony.
What inspired me to pen this piece is the remarkable display of visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR. Time and again, he has demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to the welfare and career progression of officers within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
A recent example is the promotion of 1,419 junior officers across various ranks—a testament to his transformative approach to recognising and rewarding merit. This singular act speaks volumes about his administration’s focus on fostering a culture of excellence within the Service.
The 10th Management meeting, chaired by the Comptroller-General of Customs on Friday, 29 November 2024, at the Service’s Headquarters in Abuja, gave birth to the thrilling decision to ignite a spark of motivation in the hearts of officers, urging them to continue exemplifying professionalism and serving with unwavering diligence within the Customs workforce.
This initiative of promoting officers within the ranks of Assistant Inspector of Customs to Inspector of Customs and from Customs Assistant I to AIC exemplifies the CGC’s philosophy of leadership by example: rewarding dedication while inspiring others to strive for excellence. It also reflects a broader vision that has been a hallmark of his administration since its inception—modernising the NCS to align with global best practices and making it a model of efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
CGC Adeniyi’s tenure has been marked by unprecedented achievements that underscore his competence and foresight. Among the most notable is the historic attainment of the 2024 revenue target of NGN 5.07 trillion—a full month ahead of schedule. This milestone, achieved in a challenging economic environment, reaffirms the effectiveness of the CGC’s reforms and his ability to galvanise the workforce toward a shared goal.
Under his leadership and the continuous support of his team, the NCS has also made outstanding successes in trade facilitation. A 33-place leap in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) rankings attests to the transformative impact of initiatives such as the one-stop system for cargo alerts, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme, and 24-hour cargo clearance. These innovations have significantly reduced clearance times, enhanced transparency, and strengthened Nigeria’s position as a trade hub in the African continent.
The CGC’s commitment to enforcement and national security remains unshaken. In 2024 alone, the Service recorded seizures valued at over NGN 28.1 billion, demonstrating its proactive stance against smuggling and other illegal activities. Landmark operations like “Operation Whirlwind” highlight the CGC’s strategic approach to safeguarding the nation’s borders and ensuring compliance with trade regulations.
CGC Adeniyi’s forward-thinking leadership is not limited to addressing immediate challenges; it extends to laying a foundation for sustained growth and excellence. His plans to establish a Customs University—the first of its kind in Nigeria—to accelerate career advancement programs, reflect a deep understanding of the need for continuous learning and leadership renewal. Adeniyi will never cease to champion the enhancement of his staffers’ modus operandi to elevate their performance and efficiency.
CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR embodies the popular adage, “One good turn deserves another.” His exceptional leadership, emphasised by transformative achievements and visionary plans, has positioned the Nigeria Customs Service as a global model of efficiency and effectiveness. This narrative has successfully been upgraded to international from African.
Therefore, by entrusting him with the responsibility to continue leading the NCS, Nigeria is not just recognising his past nor ongoing achievements, but also investing in a future of excellence, innovation, and unparalleled service delivery. His vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of the NCS and the nation are qualities that deserve unwavering support.
Those who have worked closely with CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi often speak of his transformative leadership with admiration. A recently promoted officer described him as “a leader who sees potential in his team and invests in it, inspiring us to achieve more than we thought possible.” Stakeholders from both private and public sectors echo this sentiment, lauding his openness and ability to foster collaborative partnerships that benefit the nation’s economy.
One notable remark came from a senior officer who said, “CGC Adeniyi’s vision goes beyond customs—it’s about nation-building. His initiatives have not only redefined our operations but also reinforced our commitment to serving Nigeria with integrity.”
His ability to listen, engage, and inspire has endeared him to both his colleagues and the nation at large. This human touch, combined with his strategic acumen, makes him a leader whose impact transcends metrics and resonates deeply on a personal and institutional level.
For the NCS and Nigeria, there is no better turn than to allow this exceptional leader to continue steering the Service toward even greater heights. “One good turn deserves another.”
This article was written by Muhammad Bashir, a public commentator and analyst with a keen interest in public administration, democracy, governance, and institutional development. He can be reached via email at macbashir89@gmail.com for comments, feedback, or further discussion.
