How CGC Adeniyi’s Call to 25-Year-Old Trailer Driver Hassan Garba Left Me With a Leadership Lesson

For nearly half a year now, I made a deliberate decision to step back from public commentary. To some of those who have followed my writings over the years, especially through my published opinion pieces, e-newspaper contributions, and social media commentaries, that silence may have appeared unusual. They often ask, “Bashir, how comes you suddenly disengaged from writing opinion pieces?”

Some may even have concluded that perhaps the writer had grown exhausted or bored by the political cacophony and hullabaloo that continue to dominate our national discourse, or maybe he had said enough and decided to pause. But the truth is far from what people assume. My silence was neither a product of fatigue nor a withdrawal from intellectual responsibility.

Rather, it was a period of observation, reflection, and careful study of events, personalities, and institutions that continue to shape our dear country, Nigeria. As someone who has consistently identified himself as a young columnist, public commentator, communication student, and a citizen deeply interested in governance, I have always believed that not every moment demands immediate commentary. Sometimes, silence is gold.

During this period, Nigeria remained what it has always been; politically active, socially dynamic, and institutionally evolving. Political parties continued their conventions, some facing court disputes and INEC interventions, aspirants decamping from one party to another and testing the waters ahead of future electoral contests, to mention but a few. Yet despite all these developments, I found myself resisting the temptation to join the usual political and religious conversations. Not because they are irrelevant. Certainly not.

Experience, they say, is the best teacher. And experience is not self-generated skill; one must be exposed, guided, and even “baptised” by productive individuals to acquire it. So I decided to focus on the activities of one of the most productive personalities in this country, whose leadership, in my opinion, is both intellectually significant and nationally instructive.

The individual at the centre of this reflection is the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. For years, I have followed his career with keen professional interest. And I say this carefully because in an age where public admiration is often mistaken for blind loyalty, it is important to clarify that my observations of this man have never been emotional or uncritical.

It was heart-soothing to hear the President of the Federal Republic publicly commend him, noting his consistency in presentations and commitment to officers’ welfare. As Chairperson of the World Customs Organization Council, Dr. Adeniyi’s customs diplomacy continues to shape global trade and border security conversations.

I have followed his bilateral engagements across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. I have observed his leadership in trade facilitation, intelligence-led enforcement, revenue optimisation, stakeholder engagement, institutional digitalisation, and border security management. Under his leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to record notable milestones in revenue generation, enforcement efficiency, global recognition, and strategic collaboration.

These achievements are visibly clear.
However, as significant as these accomplishments are, what recently seized my attention was not a revenue report or official commendation. It was something far more human, subtle, and powerful.
A few days ago, I came across a short video published on the Service’s social media platforms that compelled me to reflect deeply. By digital standards, the video may appear brief. By leadership interpretation, it carries significant weight.

The video captured an encounter between the Comptroller-General and a young Nigerian from Niger State, identified as Hassan Garba, a 25-year-old trailer driver whose admiration for the CGC had long been expressed through consistent social media engagement.

For months, perhaps years, this young man used his platforms to project positive narratives about the Service, often sharing updates and commendations while leaning by his heavy-duty trailer alongside CGC’s image. Like many citizens who engage constructively with public institutions, he likely never imagined he was being noticed at the highest level. Yet, unknown to him, the man he consistently admired had been paying attention.

Then came the moment that transformed an ordinary social media interaction into a national leadership lesson. The Comptroller-General reportedly placed a direct telephone call to him, personally introduced himself, and invited him to his office in Abuja. To some, this may appear like a simple gesture. But to anyone who studies leadership, governance, and public trust, it was far more than that.

It was a deliberate act of institutional humility. It demonstrated that leadership is not diminished by accessibility; rather, it is strengthened by it.

As portrayed in the featured moment, Hassan Garba honoured the invitation and was warmly received at the CGC’s office. He was welcomed with dignity and treated not as a stranger or fan, but as a stakeholder in the broader project of nation-building.

More importantly, he was encouraged to continue using his voice and platform to educate citizens on the core responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service, border security, anti-smuggling operations, trade facilitation, and revenue generation. Additionally, the CGC directed the Service’s National PRO to instruct his staff to host Hassan Garba in an interview session where he further advocated support for the Service’s mandate.

In that singular encounter, I saw a practical demonstration of leadership grounded in humility. I saw a leader who understands that public trust is not demanded by rank, but earned through human connection. I saw a man leading a strategic national institution, yet still attentive to the voice of an ordinary citizen.

Perhaps what makes this even more significant is the institutional context. The Nigeria Customs Service is not merely a revenue-generating agency. It is a strategic security institution affecting economic stability, border integrity, trade competitiveness, and national security.

For the head of such an institution to intentionally recognise a young citizen, appreciate his consistency, and engage him as a partner in civic advocacy sends a powerful message. It tells Nigerians that public institutions are not distant fortresses. It tells young citizens that constructive engagement matters. It tells public office holders that authority does not lose dignity when it becomes accessible. Rather, it gains legitimacy.

Muhammad Bashir is a columnist, public affairs commentator, and Public Relations scholar. 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 +2348062958059 or muhammadbashir38@gmail.com.