The maritime industry witnessed a significant moment of unity and recognition as Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi was honored with the Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year 2024 award. The event, organized by a coalition of maritime journalists in Lagos, served as a platform for Adeniyi to champion the unification of industry stakeholders and call for improved welfare for maritime reporters.
In a symbolic reflection on the industry’s evolution, CGC Adeniyi emphasized the need for maritime journalists to consolidate their numerous associations into a single, influential body. He highlighted how a united press corps could enhance credibility, influence policy decisions, and secure better welfare conditions for its members.
“If all the entrepreneurs in the industry are prospering, and we are supporting them, it is only fair that maritime journalists, who contribute significantly to the industry’s growth, also benefit from structured welfare programs. The same applies to freight forwarding associations—unity is key to earning the respect of policymakers,” Adeniyi stated.
Addressing key maritime figures, including Prince Olayiwola Shittu, former national president of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), and Alhaji Hakeem Olanrewaju, Chairman of the Customs Consultative Council (CCC), Adeniyi urged stakeholders to actively support initiatives such as insurance schemes, mortgage plans, and other welfare benefits for journalists.
The award night, held at Airport Hotel, Lagos, was attended by high-profile industry leaders, including Dr. Eugene Nweke (former NAGAFF President), Otunba Frank Ogunojemite (APFFLON President), and Chief Remi Ogungbemi (AMATO President). The presence of top Customs officials, including Assistant Comptroller General Charles Orbih, further underscored the significance of the event.
Adeniyi’s call for the unification of freight forwarding bodies also struck a chord with industry players. He pointed out that fragmentation among clearing agents had weakened their bargaining power with policymakers. “Freight forwarders were once united under one umbrella; now, the divisions hinder their collective progress. This is an issue that seasoned professionals like Prince Olayiwola Shittu and Alhaji Hakeem Olanrewaju must address,” he asserted.
The event not only celebrated Adeniyi’s contributions to the maritime sector but also sparked crucial conversations on press freedom, stakeholder collaboration, and economic empowerment within the industry. With Adeniyi’s strong advocacy, maritime journalists and freight forwarders may finally find the rallying point needed to transform their collective influence into tangible progress.
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