….CGC Adeniyi Vows to Redefine Customs Identity Through Transparency, Professionalism, and National Impact
In a bold step towards redefining its public image and deepening institutional credibility, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a Reputation Management Guide, a landmark policy designed to reinforce ethical conduct, rebuild public trust, and position the agency as a model of excellence in public service.
The guide was unveiled on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the NCS Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, during a high-profile event led by Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, alongside top management, communication experts, and public relations practitioners.
Describing the guide as a “strategic milestone,” CGC Adeniyi said it signals a new chapter for Customs, one that transcends its traditional mandate and embraces a forward-looking identity rooted in integrity, transparency, and professionalism.
“This is more than a document—it is a call to action,” Adeniyi declared. “It invites every officer to take ownership of the Nigeria Customs brand and become an ambassador of public trust.”
A public relations veteran and champion of institutional reform, Adeniyi explained that the guide was carefully crafted to instil a consistent code of conduct among officers, fostering accountability and improving service delivery across board.
He highlighted impressive reforms under his leadership, noting that Customs revenue rose by 70% in 2023 and 92% in 2024, a clear indicator of improved performance, enhanced trade facilitation, and a clampdown on illicit activities.
“Beyond the numbers, what excites me most is how the world now recognises the impact of our reforms,” he added.
The CGC underscored the World Customs Organisation’s expectations on ethical leadership and inclusive practices, saying that the NCS’s response has been the rollout of initiatives like the Reputation Management Guide and expanded Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
He linked the Customs’ internal reforms to the broader vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, citing investments in education, healthcare, clean water, and creative industries as proof of Customs’ commitment to sustainable development.
Adeniyi also emphasized gender equity and inclusive governance, revealing efforts to elevate women into leadership roles within the agency.
“We are aligning our community interventions and operational philosophy with national aspirations. This guide is one more tool to help us deliver lasting value,” he said.
In a heartfelt gesture, CGC Adeniyi thanked President Tinubu for extending his tenure, calling it a strong vote of confidence and a renewed mandate to pursue deeper institutional reforms.
The event also featured remarks from Prof. Emmanuel Dandaura, Vice President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), who represented NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku. Dandaura commended the Customs Service for leading by example in reputation management.
“This is not just another ceremonial launch. It is a signal that Customs takes reputation seriously—not as a buzzword but as a mission-critical asset,” he said.
He praised CGC Adeniyi as an exemplar of professionalism and reform-driven leadership, adding that under his stewardship, Customs had scored high marks in a recent NIPR national reputation perception survey.
The NIPR pledged to sustain its partnership with the NCS in promoting responsible public sector behaviour and reshaping Nigeria’s global image.
As the event concluded, stakeholders agreed that the Reputation Management Guide is more than a manual—it is a visionary blueprint for transforming the Service’s culture, enhancing performance, and strengthening national development.
With this launch, the Nigeria Customs Service takes a decisive step toward becoming not only a revenue-generating agency but also a beacon of ethical governance and institutional integrity in Nigeria’s public sector.
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