In the annals of Nigerian public service, few names evoke as much admiration, respect, and inspiration as Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2024, CGC Adeniyi has proven to be not only an extraordinary leader but also a generational high flyer — a definitive outlier whose brilliance, grit, and gravitas have propelled the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) into unprecedented realms of success.
In just 18 months, Adeniyi has illuminated the best in the NCS, demonstrating that leadership is not merely about wielding authority but about inspiring others, breaking barriers, and surpassing limits. His remarkable achievements have positioned him as a leader for the ages, the type seen only once in a generation. Under his transformative leadership, the NCS has surpassed its 2024 revenue target of over N5 trillion — a feat that has shattered every historical record. This is not just performance; it is a phenomenon, a testament to Adeniyi’s visionary leadership and boundless passion for the fatherland.
Adeniyi is no ordinary leader. He is a man whose fire burns brightly, illuminating the best in others and igniting phenomenal performance across the NCS. His patriotism, professionalism, and expertise are unmatched, making him one of the finest Customs officers Nigeria has ever produced. Adeniyi’s leadership is rooted in a deep love for his country and an unyielding commitment to its progress. He has woven his image into the fabric of the NCS, not through mere authority, but through passion, diligence, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Comptroller General embodies the qualities of a true statesman — grit, strategic thinking, exceptional interpersonal skills, and an uncanny ability to inspire. He has created an inspiring vision of the future for the NCS, motivating his officers and men to embrace this vision with unwavering dedication. For Adeniyi, the needs of the many always outweigh the needs of the few. His selflessness, combined with his ability to galvanize others toward shared goals, has been the cornerstone of the NCS’s phenomenal achievements under his stewardship.
The accomplishments of CGC Adeniyi are as varied as they are groundbreaking. Beyond surpassing revenue targets, he has redefined the fight against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage. The NCS, under his watch, has become a formidable albatross against smugglers, tackling illicit trade with a level of decisiveness never before seen in Nigeria’s history. His leadership has fortified the morale of Customs officers, which now stands at an all-time high, enabling them to perform their duties with renewed vigour and professionalism.
But Adeniyi’s impact extends beyond enforcement. He has maintained a strong and cordial relationship with stakeholders, striking a delicate balance between facilitating trade and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests. By fostering trust and collaboration with businesses and sister agencies, Adeniyi has ensured that the NCS remains not just a revenue-generating institution, but a critical driver of national economic growth.
CGC Adeniyi’s greatness is not merely defined by his office or the powers he wields; it is rooted in his unflinching dedication to service and his love for the fatherland. He exemplifies the ancient Greek philosopher’s maxim: “The image of great men is woven into the stuff of other men’s lives.” For Adeniyi, greatness lies in the welfare of his fellow citizens, and his every action is driven by a desire to uplift Nigeria and its people. His work ethic and passion echo the wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi, who once said that a man becomes great to the degree in which he works for the welfare of others.
Adeniyi’s lifelong commitment to learning and his strategic and critical thinking have positioned him as a leader who not only excels in the present but also prepares the NCS for the challenges and opportunities of the future. His ability to combine big-picture thinking with meticulous execution is a rare gift, one that has brought the NCS to the forefront of excellence in public service.
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, there is every reason to believe that CGC Adeniyi’s voyage in the national arena is just beginning. With his hands firmly on the wheel, the NCS is poised for even greater achievements. His visionary leadership, fueled by passion and patriotism, ensures that the Service will continue to break barriers, set new records, and inspire generations to come.
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is not just a leader; he is a beacon of hope and a shining example of what is possible when passion meets purpose. As he continues to serve his country with unparalleled dedication, one cannot help but echo the words of the Bible: “Seest thou a man diligent in his work? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
In Adeniyi, Nigeria has found a leader who stands tall among the greatest, a custodian of progress, and a fire that burns bright for the nation’s future. His legacy is not just one of achievements but of inspiration — a reminder that with the right leadership, there are no limits to what we can achieve.
Indeed, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi is a generational blaze, illuminating Nigeria’s path to greatness with his unwavering brilliance and passion.
– Dr Akinola, a maritime and corporate communication expert, writes from Lagos
