The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir 6Adewale Adeniyi, has received the Transformative Reforms and Leadership Excellence award from the Finance and Business Online Publishers (FiBOP) in recognition of his efforts to modernise Customs operations and strengthen trade facilitation.
The award was presented at the association’s 2026 annual conference in Lagos, where Adeniyi was recognised for initiatives aimed at improving institutional transparency, promoting technological innovation and strengthening border management.
FiBOP highlighted his efforts to reposition the Service beyond its traditional revenue collection role towards a more modern, globally compliant trade facilitation institution.
The recognition also acknowledged measures introduced under his leadership to streamline cargo clearance, address bureaucratic delays and improve the operating environment for businesses using Nigerian ports.
Among the initiatives cited were the Authorised Economic Operator scheme and the Time Release Study, which support efforts to improve clearance efficiency and identify delays in cargo processing.
According to the award citation, these reforms have contributed to reducing port congestion and business costs while supporting government revenue generation.
The association also recognised Adeniyi’s focus on border security through the deployment of non-intrusive inspection technologies, stronger intelligence sharing among agencies and intensified anti-smuggling operations.
These measures, it noted, were designed to combat illicit trade, protect local industries and secure key economic corridors.
Digital transformation was another area highlighted, particularly the phased rollout of the Unified Customs Management System and the digitisation of core Customs procedures.
The reforms aim to reduce human intervention, address revenue leakages and strengthen accountability in Customs administration.
Receiving the award on Adeniyi’s behalf, Deputy Superintendent of Customs AbdulGaniy Oloro Usman of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command thanked FiBOP for recognising the Comptroller-General’s contributions.
Usman said the Service remained committed to closer engagement with the media and stakeholders across the maritime, manufacturing and international trade sectors.
He added that stronger collaboration would support Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
The award underscored the association’s recognition of leadership focused on institutional renewal, innovation and improved service delivery within the Nigeria Customs Service.