The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has given reasons for the decision of the Service to honour officers at its CGC Excellence Awards Night held in Abuja, Friday, November 29, 2024, saying it was in line with efforts to promote professionalism and recognise exceptional service to the nation.

The annual event had celebrated Customs officers across all cadres, who excelled in their duties, ranging from revenue generation, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling operations, among others.

Speaking at the event, CGC Adeniyi highlighted the significance of celebrating excellence within the Service, stating: “This strategic shift springs from our belief that positive reinforcement nurtures a more dynamic, motivated, and high-performing workforce.”

He added that the awards represent a new direction for the Service, moving away from more emphasis on punitive measures to rewarding exceptional contributions.

The CGC acknowledged the challenges faced in 2024, including a 15per cent revenue deficit carried over from 2023, but emphasised the Service’s determination to overcome setbacks and achieve its goals. He called on officers to remain united and uphold the values of integrity, professionalism, and humanity in serving the nation.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, who was represented by the Director, Home Finance at the Ministry of Finance, Ali Muhammad, praised CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, noting that recognising excellence motivates officers and enhances productivity.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, also lauded the collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the NCS, describing it as a cornerstone of national security efforts.

Among the recipients of the awards was Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Folusho Adeogun, Liaison Officer, Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN). The awards ceremony reinforced the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and professionalism, inspiring officers to continue serving the nation with dedication and pride.

The ceremony, held in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the National Assembly, and law enforcement agencies. Among the dignitaries were the Representative of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy who doubles as the Chairman Nigeria Customs Service Board, Mr Olawale Edun; Senator Isah Jibril, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs; Hon Leke Abejide, Chairman House Committee on Customs and Excise; and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who commended the NCS critical role in enhancing national security, trade facilitation and revenue generation.