Following its impressive performance in 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has received the 2025 Most Outstanding Revenue Collection Award at the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) held last week in Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume said the Customs Service leadership emerged as one of 44 distinguished awardees selected from public institutions across the country after a rigorous evaluation of performance.
Akume commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, for his discipline, transparency, and professionalism in revenue administration, describing his leadership as “a clear reflection of the kind of public service Nigeria needs at this critical moment.”
He noted that under Adeniyi’s stewardship, the NCS has demonstrated “commendable consistency in surpassing revenue targets, strengthening border management systems, and restoring public confidence in institutional service delivery.” He added that the award was both well-deserved and inspiring.
Akume explained that NEAPS is designed to promote a culture of recognition in the public sector, reminding all recipients that “public offices are held in trust for the Nigerian people.”
Speaking to journalists after receiving the award, Adeniyi expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu, the SGF, and the organisers for the honour. He described the award as “a personal inspiration and, more importantly, a tribute to the dedication of the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service.”
The Customs boss dedicated the award to the entire workforce, noting that it would further boost morale as the Service intensifies efforts to improve revenue collection, strengthen border security and advance trade facilitation.
“This recognition challenges us to work even harder. It reinforces our commitment to making this country proud through credible revenue administration and service that reflects integrity and excellence,” Adeniyi said.
Adeniyi was among the standout honourees at the ceremony, which attracted a high-profile audience including the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Kano and Zamfara States, as well as the Director-General of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other senior public officials.
