Col. Ali Out, DCG Adeniyi In

…As Tinubu Rejigs Customs, Police, Dissolves Security Council

BY FUNMI ALUKO

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday appointed Deputy Comptroller General of Customs (DCG) Wale Adeniyi as the new Comptroller General in acting capacity, bringing to an end the eight years tenure of Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd).

Adeniyi’s appointment followed a sweeping change in the headship of the nation’s security architecture, which includes the National Security Adviser (NSA), Chief of Defence (CDS), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI); including the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

While AIG Nuhu Ribadu (Rtd) was named the new NSA; Maj. Gen. C.G Musa was also named the new CDS. Others are Maj. T. A Lagbaja COAS, Rear Admirral E. A Ogalla CNS, AVM H.B Abubakar CAS, Maj. Gen. EPA Undiandeye CDI, and DIG Kayode Egbetokun, Acting IGP.

A statement by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation (OSGF), dated June 19, 2023 and signed by Willie Bassey, Director, Information, OSGF, said the developments followed the dissolution of the former Security Council by the president. The statement listed several other appointments including Special Advisers and others covering key military formations across the country.

Among the Special Advisers is the controversial former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza bala Usman, who was appointed SA to the President on Policy Coordination.

The statement reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,  has approved the immediate retirement of all Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of  Police, Advisers, Comptroller-General of Customs from Service as well as their replacements with immediate effect.”

“It is to be noted that the appointed Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Comptroller General of Customs are to act in their positions, pending their confirmation in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The acting new customs boss hails from Modakeke in Oyo State, and attended Modakeke High School-Modakeke, where he wrote his SSCE in June 1979.  Thereafter, he proceeded to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University – Ile-Ife, where he graduated in June 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in International Relations. His yearning for further studies took him to the Universitaire Svizzera D’Italiana (USI) – Lugano—Switzerland, where he bagged a Master of Arts in Communication Science in November 2013.

He is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR), where he holds forth as the Vice-President of the Governing Council; and a member of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA).

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr psc(+) has over 30 years experience in Customs administration covering strategic and operational responsibilities. He possesses deep understanding of the complex and constantly evolving international trade landscape. He has strong command of customs regulations, laws, and procedures as well as the ability to navigate and adapt to changing policies and regulations. He has demonstrated excellent communication and leadership skills responsible for leading teams of customs officials, and working closely with stakeholders across variety of industries.

Adeniyi built strong relationships with stakeholders and collaborated effectively to ensure efficient and effective movement of goods across borders, over the course of his career. He has a keen eye for details and ability to identify potential risks and areas of non-compliance. This is evident in effective risk management strategies, guidance and support developed and implemented for his teams to ensure that all customs procedures are followed accurately and efficiently. He is dedicated to promoting trade and economic growth while ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Adeniyi is known to maintain the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. He is also committed to continuously improving his knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the ever-changing customs landscape.

He has many awards. For his versatility, industry, integrity and character, he was conferred with the National Honour of Member of the Order of Federal Republic (MFR) by His Excellency Mohammadu Buhari GCFR President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, in October 2022.

He has the Comptroller General of Customs Award for the seizure of $8,065,612million cash at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, in January 2020. Others include the • Large College Crest Award for Excellence in Service as Deputy Commandant, NCCSC Gwagwalada December 2019; World Customs Organization Award of Excellence as Project Team Leader, Securité Par Collaboration (SPC++), a Customs Regional Security Project, January 2018; Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Presidential Award, April 2018; Joint winner of Burson –Marsteller Award for the Best Research Project on “Reputation Management in Nigeria Customs Service” in partial fulfillment of the award of Masters of Science in Communications, USI, Lugano Switzerland, November 2013; and Best Customs Public Relations Officer 2004 – 2007.

He was until his present appointment, acting DCG in charge of Strategic Research and Policy.