I have often observed the political economy of advancement with keen interest, especially how global superpowers unashamedly prioritise their national interests—even at the risk of diplomatic fallout. One can hardly ignore how the President of the United States (POTUS) has, over the years, championed America-first policies in a bid to fortify the U.S. economy.
Whether it was Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs on Chinese goods or Joe Biden’s inflation control measures and domestic manufacturing incentives, these presidents—despite ideological differences—understood one thing in common: economic security is national security.
From the controversial CHIPS and Science Act to the Inflation Reduction Act, the U.S. under Biden placed strategic emphasis on localising production, creating American jobs, and reducing economic dependence on foreign supply chains—most notably from China. This “clash of the Economic titans” isn’t a theatre of vanity—it’s a direct reflection of leadership defending economic sovereignty with courage and foresight. And I believe Nigeria can, and must, do the same.
This brings me to the heart of this article—my profound admiration for the quiet revolution currently unfolding at the Nigeria Customs Service under the sterling leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office with the Renewed Hope Agenda, I knew the stakes were high. Nigerians, battered by economic uncertainty, were hungry not just for rhetoric but for tangible results. The President rolled out several far-reaching policy reforms—from the bold petrol subsidy removal to unification of the exchange rate, from the establishment of the Students’ Loan Scheme to numerous job creation programmes across agriculture, digital economy, and industrialisation.
But policies, no matter how robust, require institutions and individuals of integrity and innovation to actualise their impact. This is why the role of the Nigeria Customs Service under CGC Adeniyi can not be overstated.
In 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service not only met but surpassed its official revenue target—two months ahead of the year’s end. That alone should have commanded the front pages of every newspaper and spurred a nationwide celebration.
And now, in 2025, history seems to be repeating itself—but with greater precision and confidence. In just the first quarter of this year, the NCS raked in an unprecedented ₦1.75 trillion—₦106.5 billion above the target. This figure isn’t just a statistic—it’s a signal of a new order, a reaffirmation that under CGC Adeniyi, efficiency is no longer aspirational but institutional.
This feat did not come by mere chance. It is the product of deliberate reforms, technological modernisation, and fierce enforcement strategies.
The CGC’s commitment to intelligence-led operations has led to the seizure of over ₦7.7 billion worth of goods in Q1 2025 alone—including narcotics, illegally imported petroleum products, and even endangered wildlife species. These are not just criminal acts done by unpatriotic elements —they also sabotage the country’s economic stability, and thank God, the Customs Service is showing no tolerance.
I must also mention the innovative rollout of the B’Odogwu platform, a homegrown digital customs clearance system, and the deployment of the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) Programme—all of which are dramatically easing the compliance burden for honest traders while tightening the noose on smugglers.
This, to me, is the true essence of national service: making trade smoother for the legitimate while uncompromisingly going after the illegitimate.
But what strikes me even more deeply is CGC Adeniyi’s community-centred leadership approach. Through the Customs Cares initiative, the Service has extended its arms to communities nationwide—investing in education, healthcare, and social welfare. He understands that national security must have a human face. That leadership is not just about collecting trillions but also about touching lives.
It was therefore heartening—but not surprising—when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the visionary architect striving to stabilise Nigeria’s economic equilibrium, personally lauded the CGC and his team for exceeding the 2024 revenue target. Even the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, described the Service as ‘an institution pivotal to revenue generation,’ emphasising that while ‘much more is required,’ the Nigeria Customs Service is clearly on the right trajectory.
There are moments when the voices of respected national figures echo your personal conviction, and in the case of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, that has been my experience time and again. When I listened to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, acknowledge the efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service in curbing petroleum smuggling, I felt personally vindicated.
His appreciation of Adeniyi’s commitment to securing our borders and protecting our economic lifelines was not just an official remark—it was a national testimony to the kind of leadership we have long prayed for in our institutions. Malam Ribadu’s words served as “solid” confirmation that the CGC’s interventions are not just visible to insiders, but are being noticed at the highest levels of government.
Similarly, I was deeply moved by the public recognition given by Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. As the First Lady and a woman of substance, her commendation of Adeniyi’s reforms touched on every aspect I have always admired: his dedication to uplifting personnel, driving professionalism, and integrating innovation into the operations of the Service.
When she noted how these efforts contributed to national development, I could only nod in agreement. I have seen the changes firsthand—from the digital transformation to the renewed sense of purpose among officers—and it is gratifying to see such strides acknowledged by a figure of her calibre.
Even the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, could not hide his admiration for CGC Adeniyi during the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service. His words during the ceremony stayed with me: that the CGC’s recognition was not a favour but a deserved reward for his outstanding performance.
Hearing such validation from the SGF felt like a personal affirmation. It meant that our belief in Adeniyi’s leadership was grounded in fact, in tangible results, and in a record of consistency. The call for him to continue his good work resonated with me deeply—because I know he still has so much more to offer.
In all of this, I am reminded that true leadership needs no loud advertisement—it reveals itself through impact, through testimonials, and through silent transformations that touch lives across the country. From Ribadu to Oluremi Tinubu and Senator Akume, the chorus is the same: that CGC Adeniyi is delivering on his mandate with vision and vigour.
As someone who believes in the power of public service driven by integrity, I find hope and pride in his journey. He has not only restored confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service, but he has also become a symbol of what is possible when professionalism meets purpose.
In my interactions with various stakeholders and business leaders, I’ve consistently encountered a shared appreciation for CGC Adeniyi’s transformative leadership. The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), for instance, lauded his achievements in revenue generation, repositioning the service for optimal performance, and fostering collaboration with sister agencies. They highlighted his initiatives like the Time Release Study, Advanced Ruling, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, which have significantly improved trade facilitation.
Similarly, the Arewa Economic Forum (AEF) expressed their support, emphasizing CGC Adeniyi’s commitment to enhancing border security and trade facilitation in Northern Nigeria. They appreciated his proactive approach to addressing regional economic challenges and his responsiveness to stakeholder concerns.
On the international front, however, the World Customs Organization (WCO) commended the Nigeria Customs Service under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership for achieving a remarkable 74% growth in revenue. They acknowledged his dedication to enhancing revenue collection, trade facilitation, and border security, even amidst challenging conditions.
These commendations resonate deeply with me, reaffirming my belief in CGC Adeniyi’s vision and dedication. His leadership has not only transformed the Nigeria Customs Service but has also instilled confidence among stakeholders and business leaders, both locally and internationally. It’s heartening to see that the values and reforms I hold dear are echoed by others who recognize and appreciate the positive changes he has brought about.
And truly, much more is possible. With CGC Adeniyi at the helm, I am of firm belief that the Nigeria Customs Service can be one of the lead enablers of President Tinubu’s ambition to grow Nigeria’s GDP to $1 trillion. How do I know this? Because the signs are already there: digital transformation, anti-smuggling results, trade facilitation, robust revenue generation, inter-agency cooperation, and even export stimulation—yes, exports rose by 348% in Q1 2025, thanks to improved processing and shipping of bulk commodities.
Now, as someone who has followed Nigeria’s economic trajectory with both critical concern and patriotic optimism, I wish urge the Federal Government to strengthen its trust in CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Let him not be distracted. Let him be empowered further. Let the Service have all the tools and legal frameworks it needs to completely modernise our borders and trade corridors.
Because truthfully, with CGC Adeniyi, everything positive is possible. He is a rare blend of technocrat and tactician; of patriot and professional. And, in an age where public trust in institutions is fading, he stands at the high tall—proving that performance, not propaganda, is what earns leadership. Kinetic Kudos to Star Boy!
This article was written by Muhammad Bashir, a Public Relations Expert, Journalist, and Media Strategist. He holds a Master’s Degree in Democracy and Governance, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Relations at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State. He can be reached via email at muhammadbashir38@gmail.com or on WhatsApp at +234 806 295 8059.
