Customs CG Adeniyi, Aliyu, Kaila, Balogun, eight others to receive MARCON Awards

Stanley Ihedigbo

Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), alongside 11 other senior Customs officers who will be honoured for their outstanding contributions to customs administration, revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations and national economic development.

The awards, according to MARCON, are designed to recognise exemplary leadership and celebrate Customs officers whose commitment to innovation, professionalism, operational excellence and stakeholder engagement has contributed to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime, trade and border management architecture.

Adeniyi will receive the MARCON Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and enduring contributions to the development of Nigeria’s Customs administration, maritime industry and international trade.

MARCON said the Customs Comptroller-General’s leadership has brought significant transformation to the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly through revenue growth, institutional reforms and the deployment of technology-driven customs solutions.

The organisation identified the implementation of the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System, support for the National Single Window initiative, expansion of the Authorised Economic Operator Programme, strengthened anti-smuggling operations and the Customs Cares Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative among the major achievements associated with his administration.

It also cited his re-election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization Council as one of the defining milestones that have enhanced Nigeria’s profile and influence in global customs administration.

Also on the list of awardees is Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’, who will receive the MARCON Excellence Award in Anti-Smuggling Operations and Economic Protection.

According to MARCON, Aliyu has distinguished himself through intelligence-led enforcement operations, sustained efforts to suppress smuggling and the interception of prohibited goods across the South-West operational corridor.

The organisation said his operational discipline, professionalism and commitment to protecting the nation’s economy have continued to strengthen public confidence in the Nigeria Customs Service.

Similarly, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, Customs Area Controller of the Seme Command, will receive the MARCON Trade Facilitation and Border Security Excellence Award.

MARCON commended Kaila for successfully combining effective border security with seamless trade facilitation at one of Nigeria’s busiest international border posts.

The organisation noted that his achievements include strong revenue performance, promotion of legitimate cross-border trade, improved stakeholder engagement and intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operations, which it said have enhanced compliance while protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.

Another awardee is Comptroller Bishir Abdullahi Balogun, Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone C, who will receive the MARCON Award of Excellence in Anti-Smuggling Enforcement and National Economic Protection.

MARCON said the award was in recognition of Balogun’s strategic enforcement initiatives, sustained anti-smuggling operations and commitment to protecting national revenue through intelligence-driven interventions.

His leadership, the organisation added, has improved operational effectiveness within the Zone while contributing to national economic security and the protection of local industries.

Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar, Customs Area Controller of the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command, will receive the MARCON Revenue Generation and Trade Facilitation Excellence Award.

The organisation said Abubakar has positioned the Command among the Service’s leading revenue-generating formations through strong fiscal performance and efficient customs administration.

MARCON also recognised her efforts in facilitating legitimate trade, improving cargo clearance processes and promoting a business-friendly environment for investors operating within the Lagos Free Trade Zone and the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

In Rivers State, Comptroller Aliyu Alkali, Customs Area Controller of the Port Harcourt Area II Command, will receive the MARCON Excellence Award in Revenue Generation and Industrial Trade Facilitation.

MARCON said Alkali has demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting industrial trade through one of Nigeria’s major oil and gas logistics gateways.

His commitment to improved revenue performance, efficient cargo handling and the seamless movement of industrial and project cargo, the organisation noted, has contributed to investment promotion, industrialisation and national economic development.

Also to be recognised is Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku, Customs Area Controller of the Port Harcourt Area I Command, who will receive the MARCON Excellence Award in Trade Facilitation and Export Promotion.

According to MARCON, Atuluku has consistently promoted legitimate trade through improved stakeholder engagement, efficient cargo clearance procedures and initiatives aimed at encouraging compliance while supporting the growth of non-oil exports.

The organisation said her efforts have contributed to the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda and strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s maritime trade environment.

At the Ibeto Area V Seaport Command, Comptroller Usman Yahaya will receive the MARCON Award of Excellence in Revenue Generation and Trade Facilitation.

MARCON said Yahaya has distinguished himself through improved revenue generation, enhanced cargo clearance processes and proactive engagement with stakeholders.

The organisation also commended his commitment to transparency, institutional discipline and operational efficiency, noting that these qualities have helped to strengthen investor confidence and improve service delivery.

The Customs Area Controller of the Ogun II Command, Comptroller Olusola Akingbade, will receive the MARCON Excellence Award for Trade Facilitation and Revenue Generation.

MARCON said Akingbade has continued to strengthen customs processes, improve operational efficiency and deepen collaboration with manufacturers, importers and other stakeholders under the Command.

The organisation further noted that the officer’s commitment to transparency, professionalism and the creation of a business-friendly customs environment has supported industrial operations and contributed to improving the ease of doing business.

Meanwhile, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, Acting Customs Area Controller of the Ogun I Area Command, will be honoured with the MARCON Excellence Award in Anti-Smuggling Operations and Border Security.

According to MARCON, Afeni has demonstrated outstanding leadership in strengthening border security through intelligence-driven enforcement, strategic anti-smuggling operations and effective collaboration with sister security agencies.

The organisation said his ability to combine strict enforcement with trade facilitation and constructive stakeholder engagement has further enhanced the operational effectiveness of the Command.

In the North-West, Deputy Comptroller Usman Adamu, Acting Controller of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, will receive the MARCON Excellence Award in Trade Facilitation and Economic Security.
MARCON said Adamu has strengthened customs administration through improved trade facilitation, enhanced revenue generation and intelligence-led anti-smuggling operations.

The organisation noted that his achievements have contributed significantly to economic activities in the region while supporting national economic security.

Completing the list of awardees is Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, who will receive the MARCON Excellence Award in Revenue Generation and Trade Facilitation.

MARCON said Adewole has distinguished himself through achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations and stakeholder engagement.

His professionalism, operational discipline and commitment to promoting legitimate trade, the organisation added, have contributed to advancing the Federal Government’s economic objectives.

Speaking on the awards, Chairman of the MARCON 2026 Conference Planning Committee, Paul Ogbuokiri, said the recipients were carefully selected based on their outstanding leadership, professionalism and measurable contributions to Customs administration, trade facilitation, border security and national economic development.

Ogbuokiri said the awards were intended to celebrate officers whose efforts had produced tangible results across various aspects of Customs operations and the wider maritime sector.

“We are honouring officers whose leadership has produced measurable results in revenue generation, trade facilitation, border security, anti-smuggling operations and institutional reforms.

“Through their commitment to professionalism, innovation and public service, they have strengthened the Nigeria Customs Service and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic development.

“MARCON believes that recognising excellence will inspire even greater service and reinforce the culture of accountability, integrity and outstanding performance within the maritime sector,” he said.

The awards will be presented during the MARCON 2026 Annual Conference, scheduled to take place on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The conference is expected to bring together senior officials and stakeholders from across Nigeria’s maritime, trade and economic sectors.
Expected participants include the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, as well as other government agencies, industry leaders, maritime professionals and stakeholders.

The event is expected to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to examine developments within Nigeria’s maritime and trade sectors while celebrating individuals whose contributions have advanced revenue generation, trade facilitation, border security, anti-smuggling efforts and economic development.

The recognition of the Customs Comptroller-General and the 11 senior officers is also expected to further highlight the critical role of the Nigeria Customs Service in supporting national economic growth, protecting local industries, facilitating legitimate trade and strengthening Nigeria’s position within the global trading community.