By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) continued to receive recognition and accolades from highly reputable Unions in Nigeria as the Nigeria Union of Journalist honoured NCS Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adebiyi (MFR) for Championing continuous support and relentless advocacy for Press freedom. The Customs Comptroller General received the “Media Promoter and Advocate of Press Freedom Award” during the 70th Anniversary Gala/Award Night of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The prestigious event, which took place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, was part of the union’s landmark celebration of NUJ at 70.
The event featured a keynote address, book presentation, and the conferment of honorary awards to notable figures who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the media and promotion of democratic values in Nigeria.The award was presented by the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency Rt Hon Mohammed Jatau, on behalf of the NUJ 70th Anniversary Committee. Receiving the award on behalf of the CGC, the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, expressed deep appreciation to the leadership of the NUJ for recognising the Comptroller-General’s consistent efforts in supporting journalism and enabling the media to function as a vital partner in nation-building. “This recognition is a profound honour for the Nigeria Customs Service, and it speaks volumes about the kind of leadership we have under CGC Adewale Adeniyi,” AC Maiwada stated.
“The CGC, being a communications professional himself, understands the indispensable role of the press in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountability. He has opened the doors of Customs to the media and empowered Public Relations Officers across commands to engage more transparently and professionally.” The Customs Spokesman noted that under the leadership of CGC Adeniyi, the Service has witnessed an unprecedented improvement in media relations, stakeholder engagements, and proactive information dissemination, which have collectively boosted public trust and institutional integrity. He said, “This award will serve as motivation to do even more. The Service will continue to deepen its partnership with the media, support journalists in their work, and uphold the values of transparency and open communication in line with global customs best practices.”
Also honoured was Retired Comptroller of Customs, Comptroller UK Bello, the Kanwan of Katsina, who was conferred with the Media Support Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to press freedom and his legacy of support for the media profession. Comptroller Bello served as a Command PRO for close to a decade and later as Area Controller before his retirement and is widely respected for fostering a culture of openness and professional engagement throughout his career. Responding, the Kanwan Katsina appreciated the NUJ for finding him worthy of the recognition. He also extended his gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs for his transformational leadership in the Service.
“I thank the NUJ for this honour, which I dedicate to all Service officers who believe in the power of communication. I also commend the CGC for his good work and for sustaining the reforms we all hoped to see,” he stated.This recognition comes as the Nigeria Customs Service redefines its public image through enhanced visibility, digital transformation, and strategic communication campaigns aligned with national development objectives.The 70th Anniversary reinforced the NUJ’s legacy as a formidable platform for media professionals and celebrated the enduring values of courage, commitment, and collaboration across the nation’s information ecosystem.
