The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called on Nigerians to remain committed to unity, national service, and spiritual reflection as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) hosted Ramadan Iftar gatherings bringing together officers of the Service, government officials, and key stakeholders.
The events, held in Abuja as part of activities marking the holy month of Ramadan, reflected the Service’s commitment to strengthening collaboration, mutual respect, and shared national values among its personnel and partners.
The first gathering took place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Dunes Hotel, where Adeniyi hosted senior government officials, diplomats, captains of industry, security chiefs, and members of the Customs management team, both serving and retired. Representatives of sister security agencies and senior media executives were also in attendance.
During the event, the CGC described Ramadan as a period of reflection, discipline, and spiritual renewal, urging Nigerians to carry the lessons of the holy month into their daily lives and national responsibilities. He noted that the season encourages dedication to faith, prayer, and responsible service to the nation.
Adeniyi also emphasised that Nigeria’s progress depends on unity and collective responsibility, stressing that the commitment of all stakeholders remains essential to achieving lasting peace, economic stability, and national development.
Also speaking at the gathering, the Director of Home Finance at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Ali Muhammad, commended the leadership of the NCS for advancing reforms aimed at strengthening trade administration and revenue generation.
Muhammad highlighted the Service’s increasing reliance on technology to modernise customs operations, citing the indigenous digital trade platform B’Odogwu as a major step toward improving efficiency and transparency in cargo clearance. He noted that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s economic recovery agenda by facilitating trade, reducing bottlenecks, and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in global commerce.
In her goodwill message, the Managing Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Jummai Umar-Ajijola, commended the Customs leadership for promoting innovation and institutional reforms within the Service.
She referenced a recent international technology conference in Abu Dhabi where the NCS showcased the B’Odogwu digital platform, attracting significant interest from global participants who praised the Service’s indigenous technology driven approach to customs administration.
As part of the Ramadan activities, the management of the Nigeria Customs Service also hosted another Iftar dinner at the Service Headquarters in Maitama on March 5, 2026. The gathering, organised by Trade Modernisation Project Limited, brought together officers and personnel of the Service in an atmosphere of unity and reflection as Muslim officers observed the breaking of the day’s fast.
Addressing officers at the event, Adeniyi reminded them of the spiritual significance of the season, describing it as a period for reflection, self improvement, and supplication to God. He also urged officers to demonstrate compassion, unity, and mutual support during the fasting period while expressing hope that both Ramadan and Lent would inspire renewed dedication to service and national development.
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