Customs Honours Outstanding Officers as CGC Adeniyi Bags Lifetime Achievement Award at PR Conference
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday, 23 July 2026, honoured outstanding officers and personnel for excellence, dedication, and professionalism during the Award Dinner Night held as part of the 2026 Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The highpoint of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to public relations, strategic communication, and institutional reforms within the Service.
The event brought together senior Customs officers, communication professionals, media executives, academics, and development partners to celebrate excellence, inspire greater commitment, and reinforce a culture of professionalism across the Nigeria Customs Service.
Presenting the awards, the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, said the initiative was designed to recognise officers whose dedication, professionalism, and innovation have distinguished them in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“Recognising excellence is one of the most effective ways of motivating officers to do more. Tonight, we celebrate commitment, hard work, and the values that continue to strengthen the image and reputation of the Nigeria Customs Service,” Maiwada said.
The President of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the Comptroller-General for institutionalising professionalism and capacity building within the Service’s Public Relations Unit.
“When excellence is recognised, it inspires others to strive for higher standards.
The Nigeria Customs Service has demonstrated that strategic communication remains central to institutional success and public confidence,” he said.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya, described the awards initiative as a strategic investment in human capital.
“Any organisation that rewards hard work and professionalism is laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth. We encourage the award recipients to remain committed to ethical conduct, transparency, and national service,” he stated.
Among the major honours presented, Superintendent of Customs Elizabeth Anawanti and Superintendent of Customs Umar Abdullahi received the Distinguished Service Award in Public Relations.
The Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of the Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit was presented to Chief Superintendent of Customs Nuruddeen Sa’idu and Yusuf in recognition of their exceptional commitment to strengthening the Unit.
In another category, Chief Superintendent of Customs Lukman Abdullahi-Lagos emerged as the recipient of the prestigious Alex Akiyenyele Award for Outstanding Public Relations Officer of the Year.
The ceremony also recognised excellence beyond professional duties, with awards presented to the Best Dressed Male and Female Officers. Abdulkarim Zurmi and Lucy Nyambi were honoured as the Best NCBN Staff Attached to the Public Relations Unit for their dedication and outstanding support to the Unit’s activities.
The award night ended on a celebratory note, reaffirming the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to recognising excellence, rewarding professionalism, and fostering a workforce driven by effective communication, innovation, and exemplary public service.
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