Maritime Stakeholders Commend, Adeniyi’s Unprecedented Performance As CGC
*Maritime Stakeholders Commend, Adeniyi’s Unprecedented Performance As CGC
…. Stakeholders Laud 4% FOB Suspension
…as CG bags Iconic Maritime Personality Award
By Jerry Aguigbo
Maritime Stakeholders , on Thursday, thronged the Lagos Airport Hotel to grace the bestowment of “The Iconic Maritime Personality Of the Year” Award conferred on the Comptroller -General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
While at it, the stakeholders were unanimous in their verdict that the CGC deserves the honour given him for an unprecedented performance as the Customs Comptroller -General.
They also took turns on the podium to profusely commend the Comptroller General for convincing the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the controversial 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) duty on imports.
All maritime journalists in Nigeria had unanimously nominated Adeniyi as the iconic maritime personality of the year 2024, following his remarkable performance since he became the customs controller general in 2023. The award is the first of its kind in the history of the service.
In his remark at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, a former National President of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, commended Adeniyi on his performance so far as the Controller General of customs, noting that the CG deserved the award bestowed on him by maritime journalists.
Prince Shitu described the suspension on the 4% FOB charge as a relief to importers and agents, even as he charged the CG to keep up the good work he’s doing.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Customs Consultative Council, Alhaji Hakeem Olanrewaju, commended Adeniyi for his performance since he became the Customs Controller General, noting that his performance so far has earned him the award of Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year 2024, bestowed on him by all maritime journalists in Nigeria.
Some of the friends and classmate of the CG, who attended the event, also commended him for his achievement so far since he was appointed, saying he has never disappointed Nigerians. They attested to the fact that the CGC has been keeping his old friends without looking at his present status since he got to the top of his career.
In his remark on behalf of the maritime journalists, Mr. Okey Ibeke, showered encomium on Adeniyi for his performance since he took over the affairs of the service, stating that his leadership strategies, together with his team, has caused drastic positive changes in the Nigeria Customs Service.
He specifically stated that Adeniyi has not disappointed Nigerians since the president appointed him, but surpassed expectations. He specifically lauded the custom boss for the historic revenue collection that the Customs has recorded since he took over the leadership of the service, noting that Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu must have incontrovertibly seen Adeniyi’s leadership qualities before appointing him to lead the nation’s Customs service.
Ibeke however urged the government to give more power to the service, saying such, with more support, will enable the service to perform better in boosting and enhancing the economic development of the country.
While speaking on behalf of other customs at the event, the Zonal Coordinator of Customs, Zone A, ACG Charles Orbih, said the conferment of the award on Adeniyi is the testament to the remarkable transformation that has taken place under his leadership. He expressed the commitment of all customs officers to the implementation of the CGC vision for a modern, efficient, and world-class customs administration.
ACG Orbih said “CGC Sir, as you receive this well-deserved award, please accept the assurances of our loyalty and commitment to implementing your vision for a modern, efficient, and world-class customs administration. Your exemplary leadership continues to bring out the best in us, and we are proud to serve under your authority”.
Meanwhile, the Customs CG has called on all the freight forwarders and agents in the country to come together and speak with one voice, saying the proliferation of various associations of freight forwarders is not good for the industry.
In the same vein, he urged all journalists in the maritime sector to find a common ground to unit to enable them speak with one voice, stating that there is strength in unity.
The event was attended by notable players in the maritime sector among who are the Chairman of the Association of Maritime Truck owners (AMATO), Chief Remi Ogungbemi, the National President, Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, as well as top/senior customs officers, including the area controllers of various commands and zonal cordinators.
About Post Author
