NUJ Celebrates 70 Years, Honours Customs CG Adeniyi.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has again been recognised for its unwavering support to press freedom and responsible journalism as the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, received the “Media Promoter and Advocate of Press Freedom Award” during the 70th Anniversary Gala/Award Night of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The esteemed event was held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, marking a highlight of NUJ’s 70th anniversary celebrations. The ceremony featured a keynote address, book launch, and the presentation of honorary awards to notable individuals who have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s media development and democratic growth. The “Media Promoter and Advocate of Press Freedom Award” was presented by Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Mohammed Jatau, representing the NUJ 70th Anniversary Committee.
Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi received the “Media Promoter and Advocate of Press Freedom Award” from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for his dedication to press freedom and national development. Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS’s National Public Relations Officer, accepted the award on Adeniyi’s behalf, praising NUJ’s recognition of his efforts to promote transparency and media engagement within the Customs Service.
“This recognition is a testament to the visionary leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi,” Maiwada said. “As a communications professional himself, the CGC deeply understands the essential role of a free press in sustaining democracy, promoting accountability, and strengthening public institutions.”
He highlighted that under Adeniyi’s leadership, the Customs Service has transformed its media relations culture — empowering Public Relations Officers nationwide, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and embracing proactive, transparent communication. These efforts, he noted, have significantly bolstered public trust and institutional credibility.
Maiwada described the award as both an honour and a motivation, reaffirming the Service’s commitment to deepening partnerships with the media, supporting journalists, and upholding international best practices in transparency and public accountability.
“The CGC has not only opened the doors of Customs to the press but has made the media a strategic partner in nation-building,” he added.
Kanwan Katsina, Retired Customs Comptroller Bello, Honoured for Championing Media Freedom
In a fitting tribute to a lifetime of service and media advocacy, Retired Comptroller of Customs, Comptroller UK Bello, the Kanwan of Katsina, was honoured with the Media Support Award at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) 70th Anniversary celebration.
Comptroller Bello, renowned for his decade-long tenure as a Customs Public Relations Officer and later as an Area Controller, was recognised for his unwavering commitment to press freedom, professional media engagement, and fostering a culture of openness within the Nigeria Customs Service.
Receiving the award, Kanwan Katsina expressed profound appreciation to the NUJ for the honour and acknowledged the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for steering the Service towards transformational reforms and sustained media collaboration.
“I dedicate this award to all officers who understand the power of communication in public service,” Bello declared. “I also commend the CGC for continuing the reforms we envisioned — placing transparency, accountability, and media partnership at the heart of Customs operations.”
The recognition comes amid the Nigeria Customs Service’s strategic push to redefine its public image through enhanced visibility, digital innovation, and proactive communication initiatives aligned with national development priorities.
The NUJ’s 70th Anniversary celebration underscored the union’s enduring role as a pillar for media professionals nationwide, celebrating values of courage, commitment, and collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s information landscape.
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