Adeniyi Reaffirms Commitment to Professionalism in Customs
James Emejo in Abuja
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Mr. Wale Adeniyi, yesterday reaffirmed the service’s continued dedication to serve the country with pride, professionalism, and unwavering commitment.
He spoke at the CGC Awards 2024 ceremony in Abuja, where the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, was also honoured with the CGC Award for his support for the service.
The Director, Home Finance, FMF, Aliyu Mohammed, received the award on behalf of the minister.
Adeniyi said the present challenging times required movements that are absolute best, expressing confidence that working together, the officers and other stakeholders would continue to elevate the service to greater heights.
He said, “We must continue to build on these successes, foster the culture of excellence, integrity, and humanity that will define the future of our service.
“I congratulate all award recipients and thank every officer who has continued dedication to duty.
“Together, we will continue to serve Nigeria with pride, professionalism, and unwavering commitment.
Adeniyi noted that 2024 started on a technical note for the service, adding that, “We carried over a deficit of about 15 per cent off from our revenue targets which we had filed in 2023.
“However, in 2024, we left no stone unturned to ensure that by the end of the year, we want to proceed to perform our best credibly in the service of nation building.”
He said the award night was a celebration of excellence which surpassed the routine achievements of time and space.
He said, “It is about exceeding expectations, showing country dedication and demonstrating exceptional commitment to our nation’s interests.
“Tonight, we gather to celebrate officers and stakeholders who have exemplified these qualities and more.
“At the beginning of the year, we made conscious decisions to reshape our organisational culture moving beyond the traditional emphasis on punitive measures.
“We choose to amplify the recognition of exceptional service and celebrate excellence.
“This strategic shift springs from our belief that punitive, positive reinforcement nurtures a more dynamic, motivated and high-performing workforce.”
The CGC further noted, “Tonight’s ceremony affirms this vision as the acknowledgement and reward of excellence continues to inspire greater dedication and achievement across our ranks and hopefully across the entire customs ecosystem.
“The past year has been transformative for us.
As we implement the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2020, our officers have demonstrated remarkable adaptability and professionalism.
“They have also embraced new technologies, enhanced representation processes, and strengthened empowerment and performance.”
He said, “Tonight’s celebration surpasses the conventional bounds of an award ceremony.
It stands as compelling evidence of the exceptional caliber of officers within our ranks and the business community that has displayed a willingness to align with the vision and mission of the service.
“Each recipient tonight has carved a path of excellence in pursuing our mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security.
“These achievements brilliantly demonstrate both individual merits and our shared vision for a modernised and progressive service.”
He reminded the award recipients that their outstanding performance sets the benchmark for excellence in Nigeria Customs Services.
“You have shown that with dedication, innovation, and commitment to duty, we can achieve and exceed our objectives while upholding the highest professional standards.
“To all our officers of the service, let these awards serve as our inspiration. They represent the standards we strive for and the excellence that we hope to attain as we continue our journey of transformation.”
