By Harriet Tornguvan
President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR honored Adewale Adeniyi, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), On July 6, 2024 with the “Outstanding Revenue Collection” accolade at the Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS). The ceremony took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, emphasized that the awards aim to foster a culture of recognition and reward in public service. He reiterated that public institutions belong to the Nigerian people, not individuals, and public servants are accountable to the populace.
CGC Adeniyi, who has been in his role since June 2023, expressed his gratitude and commitment to enhancing Nigeria's economy through effective revenue collection and trade facilitation. He thanked President Tinubu, the SGF, and NEAPS for the recognition, stating, "This national recognition is a challenge for the Service to double its efforts in making this country proud. It motivates public officials to dedicate themselves and perform diligently in office."
Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, encouraged award recipients to continue their exemplary work. He highlighted that the individuals and organizations honored were selected based on objective criteria from both the public and private sectors.
This event marked the second edition of NEAPS, with the first edition held in October 2023. Senator Akume praised The Best Strategic (TBS) Media for organizing the event in collaboration with the OSGF, emphasizing that NEAPS celebrates innovation, leadership, and significant contributions to public service and national development.
Among the 44 award recipients were notable figures such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President) Senator Ibrahim Hadejia. Several governors, including Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State, were recognized for their contributions.
Other distinguished honorees included FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, President of Dangote Group Alhaji Aliko Dangote, former SGF Boss Mustapha, and Founder/Chairman of Zenith Bank Chief Jim Ovia.
NEAPS is an annual program organized in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, celebrating individuals who have made exceptional contributions to public service over the past year.
