Trade Modernisation and Border Security : Adeniyi, Customs Boss, 11 Others Listed for MARCON Award

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, plus eleven (11) other dedicated, hardworking senior officers of the service are scheduled to receive the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) Special Awards in recognition of their exceptional contributions to customs administration, trade facilitation, revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and national economic development.

The awards, which will be presented at the MARCON 2026 Annual Conference in Port Harcourt on July 30, are aimed at celebrating exemplary leadership and professional excellence within the Nigeria Customs Service at a time the agency continues to record significant milestones in revenue collection, institutional reforms and border management.

Adeniyi will receive the coveted MARCON Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding leadership and enduring contributions to Customs administration, Nigeria’s maritime sector and international trade. MARCON said the Customs boss was selected for his transformative stewardship of the Service, which has witnessed unprecedented revenue growth, technology-driven reforms and strengthened stakeholder engagement since he assumed office.

Among the initiatives credited to his leadership are the successful deployment of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, support for the National Single Window project, the expansion of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, strengthened anti-smuggling operations, the Customs Cares Corporate Social Responsibility initiative and his re-election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.

According to the association, these milestones have not only repositioned the Nigeria Customs Service as a more efficient institution but have also enhanced Nigeria’s profile in global customs. Beyond the Comptroller General, MARCON will honour 11 senior officers whose leadership has been instrumental in advancing Customs’ mandate across the country’s commands.

Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, will receive the MARCON Excellence Award in Anti-Smuggling Operations and Economic Protection for his contributions to combating illicit trade and protecting the nation’s economy.

Similarly, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Seme Area Command, will be honoured with the Trade Facilitation and Border Security Excellence Award, while Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun, Controller of FOU Zone ‘C’, will receive the Award of Excellence in Anti-Smuggling Enforcement and National Security.