CGC award night honors outstanding performances, PR unit takes center stage

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting excellence and professionalism, as outstanding performances by Commands, Units, and individual officers were celebrated at the 2025 Comptroller-General of Customs(CGC) Conference and Awards Night.

The 2025 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference culminated in an award night and gala dinner on November 21, 2025, recognizing outstanding performances by Commands, Units, and individual officers, with the Public Relations Unit receiving notable recognition.

Following two days of engagements focused on synergy, operational efficiency, and institutional reforms, the event united Management members, Controllers, Senior Officers, and guests to honour contributions driving the Service’s achievements.

Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi praised officers for surpassing the 2025 revenue target, citing collective efforts in enforcement, trade facilitation, and modernisation as key drivers.

“Tonight is about celebrating ourselves,” the CGC declared. “We have worked hard, delivered results and strengthened the pillars that define our mandate. It is only right that we pause to acknowledge excellence within the Service.”

A significant highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Public Relations Unit for its outstanding contributions to strategic communication, media visibility and stakeholder engagement. The Unit was applauded for effectively projecting Customs reforms and achievements, particularly during the C-PACT Summit and the 2025 CGC Conference. Its efforts in countering misinformation, building trust and enhancing public understanding of Customs operations were at the core of the recognition.

Similarly, the Kano/Jigawa Area Command, led by Comptroller Abubakar Dalhatu, also emerged as one of the top honourees of the night. The Command clinched the award for the Most Improved Command, following its remarkable performance in revenue generation, high-profile currency seizures and strengthened enforcement outcomes. Adding to the Command’s recognition, its Public Relations Officer, CSC Tahir Balarabe, won the Best Public Relations Officer of the Year award, a testament to his exceptional work in visibility management, crisis communication, and proactive stakeholder engagement.

Several other Commands, Units and officers were honoured for distinguished service in areas such as leadership, innovation, discipline, community relations, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation. The recognitions underscored the diverse and critical roles played across formations in advancing the Service’s modernisation drive.

The ceremony concluded with renewed commitments from officers to deepen professionalism, foster unity and sustain the momentum of reforms as the Nigeria Customs Service prepares for the year ahead.