The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, was honored with the “Outstanding Revenue Collection” accolade at the Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS) on Saturday, 6th July 2024.

The award was presented by His Excellency President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR at a ceremony held in the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, recognizing Adeniyi’s significant achievements in revenue generation since his appointment in June 2023.

Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, representing President Tinubu, highlighted the importance of embedding a culture of recognition and reward within the public service ethos.

He emphasized that public institutions belong to the Nigerian people and that public servants are their employees.

After receiving the award, CGC Adeniyi expressed his delight and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s economy through revenue collection and trade facilitation.

He thanked the president, 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.”

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, urged the award recipients to continue their exemplary work, emphasizing that individuals and organizations were chosen based on objective criteria from both the public and private sectors.

Akume welcomed attendees to the second edition of NEAPS, noting that the first edition took place at same location years back.

He praised The Best Strategic (TBS) Media for organizing the event in collaboration with the OSGF and highlighted NEAPS as a celebration of innovation, leadership, and significant contributions to public service and national development.

Among the 44 recipients of the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service were 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. Governors 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 sector-specific interventions.

Other 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 recognition program organized in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), celebrating individuals who have made exceptional contributions to public service within the preceding year.