CGC Adeniyi Calls for a Merger of Maritime Journalists’ Association
CGC Adeniyi Calls for a Merger of Maritime Journalists’ Association
…prompts agencies to ensure the Welfare of Maritime Newsmen
By Ebenezer William
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called on beat associations in the maritime media to come together under one body to make a greater impact in the industry, even as he also enjoined heads of maritime parastatals to prioritize the welfare of journalists covering the sector.
Speaking at an event organised in his honour at the Airport Hotel in Lagos on Thursday, where he was awarded the Iconic Maritime Personality of the Year 2024, Adeniyi emphasized the importance of improving the lives of maritime journalists as the sector prospers and players advance. He said the NCS could do a lot of things for the maritime journalists only if they could speak with one voice.
Adeniyi expressed concern over the proliferation of beat associations in maritime media practice and multiple associations in the clearing and forwarding business. He advocated for prioritizing the welfare of maritime journalists, pointing out that as entrepreneurs in the industry grow, the welfare of journalists should also be a focus for all agencies they report on.
Highlighting his journey from a two-star public relations officer to Comptroller General, Adeniyi underscored the mutual support between journalists and the customs service. He urged journalists to develop initiatives to drive their welfare programs, suggesting ideas such as insurance coverage and housing schemes for journalists in the maritime sector.
Adeniyi described his award as significant, noting that it was the first time in the maritime industry’s history that all maritime journalists formed a united front to award a single stakeholder.
He encouraged journalists to collapse multiple associations into one unified body, emphasizing the impact of a united front in protecting the interests of the maritime industry.
Adeniyi also called on the freight forwarding practitioners, drawing parallels between their story and that of maritime journalists. He called on freight forwarders and licensed customs agents to unify under one umbrella to gain the respect of policymakers. He challenged industry leaders, such as Prince Olayiwola Shittu and Alhaji Hakeem Olanrewaju, to work towards uniting associations and speaking with a single voice in the maritime industry.
Speaking at the event, the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Zone A, ACG Charles Orbih, enthusiastically affirmed,
“The conferment of this golden
award of Iconic Maritime of the Year 2024 on the Comptroller General of Customs reflects the remarkable transformation that has occurred within the service under his stewardship.
The modernization of the Nigerian Customs procedure, strengthening of risk management systems and optimization of revenue collection processes have yielded unprecedented results. In the past year, we have exceeded revenue collections in a very remarkable way.
Our target was 5.079 trillion, but we exceeded it and we collected 6.1 trillion, contributing significantly to the federal government’s fiscal objectives. Under his leadership, the service has fostered stronger relationships with other government agencies, international organizations, and the private sector, including the maritime industry present here.
These strategic alliances have improved intelligence sharing, leading to effective joint operations in combating smuggling and other forms of customs offences.”
He hinged the successes recorded on the cordial and friendly atmosphere with which the service operated under the leadership of CGC Adeniyi.
He said, “The harmonious relationship has also facilitated trade, reduced clearance time, and enhanced compliance levels among stakeholders. The deployment of cutting-edge technology has revolutionized our operations. Advanced scanning systems and digitalized solutions have significantly improved our cargo examination processes and risk management capabilities.
“These innovations”, he noted “have reduced cargo dwelling time and improved ease of doing business at various ports. Sir, your leadership excellence has inspired a generation of customs officers who can now approach their duty with renewed vigour and commitment. The emphasis on continuous training and capacity building has equipped our officers with the knowledge and skills needed to meet contemporary customs challenges.
“The result is a more competent and confident workforce that consistently delivers on its mandate. The international recognition generated by the Nigerian Customs Service under your leadership speaks volumes. From the World Customs,” the ACG observed.
” This honour does not just reflect your achievement, but the collective success of the entire Nigeria Customs Service under your visionary leadership. May the good Lord continue to protect you, guide you, and give you the best that the Nigerian Customs Service needs to move the nation forward. Thank you very much and God bless” the ACG concluded.
The award night was graced by members of Customs high command, and eminent personalities in the maritime industry, including the “provost”, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, Prince Segun Oduntan, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, Dr Eugene Nweke, and Chief Remi Ogungbemi, along with Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Zone A, ACG Charles Orbih, and all customs Area Controllers, and long time friends of the CGC, amongst others.
Indeed, it was a night of bliss, fun and pleasantries. Above all, it was a night of honour and celebration of the Iconic Maritime personality of the year,2024, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
The event underscored the importance of unity and collaboration in advancing the welfare and interests of maritime journalists and industry practitioners alike.
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