CGC Adeniyi Bags Lifetime PR Honour as Customs Celebrates Outstanding Officers at National Conference
Award Night recognises professionalism, innovation and dedication as NCS vows to strengthen strategic communication and institutional excellence
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has honoured its outstanding officers and personnel for exceptional service, professionalism and dedication, with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contributions to public relations, strategic communication and institutional reforms.
The honours were presented during the Award Dinner Night of the 2026 Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where senior Customs officers, media executives, communication experts and development partners gathered to celebrate excellence and reinforce professionalism within the Service.
According to a statement issued by the Nigeria Customs Service, the awards were aimed at recognising officers whose commitment and innovation have significantly enhanced the image and operational efficiency of the Service. The statement highlighted remarks by the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, who underscored the importance of rewarding excellence as a tool for motivating personnel.
Maiwada said the ceremony reflected the Service’s commitment to recognising exceptional performance and encouraging higher standards across its workforce.
“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,” he said.
The Comptroller-General’s Lifetime Achievement Award was one of the highlights of the evening, recognising his leadership in repositioning the Customs Service through reforms, improved stakeholder engagement and strategic communication initiatives.
President of the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku, commended the Customs leadership for institutionalising professionalism and investing in capacity building within its 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,” Neliaku stated.
Also speaking, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya, described the recognition initiative as a worthwhile investment in human capital, urging the recipients to remain committed to ethical conduct and national service.
“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,” Yahaya said.
Among the major recipients, Superintendent of Customs Elizabeth Anawanti and Superintendent of Customs Umar Abdullahi received the Distinguished Service Award in Public Relations, while Chief Superintendent of Customs Nuruddeen Sa’idu and Yusuf were honoured with the Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of the Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit.
The Alex Akiyenyele Award for Outstanding Public Relations Officer of the Year was presented to Chief Superintendent of Customs Lukman Abdullahi-Lagos for his exemplary performance and contribution to Customs communication.
The ceremony also recognised outstanding support staff and celebrated esprit de corps within the Service, with Abdulkarim Zurmi and Lucy Nyambi emerging as the Best Nigeria Customs Broadcasting Network (NCBN) Staff attached to the Public Relations Unit for their dedication and commitment.
Awards for Best Dressed Male and Female Officers also formed part of the evening’s celebrations, adding colour to the conference’s closing ceremony.
The Nigeria Customs Service said the recognition programme underscores its determination to build a culture of excellence, professionalism and effective communication capable of strengthening public trust and enhancing institutional performance.
