CGC Adeniyi Advocates unified maritime journalists’ Group
CGC Adeniyi Advocates unified maritime journalists’ Group
By Asuquo Nuwak
•••Urges agencies to prioritise welfare of maritime journalists
The Comptroller- General of Customs , Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has called on beat associations in the maritime media to come together under one body in order to make greater impact in the industry. He also enjoined heads of maritime parastatals to prioritize the welfare of journalists covering the sector.
In his presentation at an event organised in his honour at the Airport Hotel in Ikeja, 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 in the the sector.
He said the Nigeria Customs Service could do a lot of things for the maritime journalists if only they could speak with one voice.
Adeniyi expressed great 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, adding that as entrepreneurs in the industry grow, the welfare of journalists should also be the main focus for all agencies they cover in their report.
While highlighting his journey from a two star public relations officer to the rank of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, underscored the mutual support between journalists and the customs service. He therefore urged journalists to develop initiatives to drive their welfare programs, while suggesting ideas such as insurance cover and housing schemes for journalists in the maritime sector.
CGC Adeniyi described his award as significant, announcing that it was the first time in the history of maritime industry that all maritime journalists decided to form a united front to award a single stakeholder.
He encouraged journalists to collapse multiple associations into one unified body, while emphasizing the impact of a united front in protecting the interests of the maritime industry.
Adeniyi also called on the freight forwarding practitioners and licensed customs agents to come together under one umbrella to gain the respect of policy makers. 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.
In his presentation at the event, the
Assistant Comptroller- General of Customs, in-charge of Zone ‘A’, ACG Charles Orbih, said
the conferment of this golden
award of “Iconic Maritime of the year 2024” on the Comptroller-General of Customs, reflect the remarkable transformation that has occurred within the service under his stewardship. He announced that the modernization of the Nigerian Customs procedure, strengthening of risk management systems and optimization of revenue collection processes have yielded unprecedented results.
Similarly, he said in the past one year, the Service have exceeded revenue collections in a very remarkable way.
He said their target was 5.079 trillion, but they exceeded it and collected 6.1 trillion, contributing significantly to the federal government’s fiscal objectives.
ACG Charles Orbih noted that under CGC leadership, the Service has fostered stronger relationships with other government agencies, international organizations, and the private sector, including the maritime industry operators who were present at the event.
Furthermore, ACG Charles Orbih disclosed that these strategic alliances have improved intelligence sharing, leading to effective joint operations in combating smuggling and other forms of customs offenses.
He attributed the successes recorded on the cordial and friendly atmosphere with which the Service operated under the leadership of CGC Adeniyi.
ACG Charles Orbih is quoted as disclosing that: “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”.
In the words of ACG Charles Orbih: “These innovations 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 vigor 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”.
In his words: “The result is a more competent and confident workforce that consistently delivers on its mandate. The international recognition garnered by the Nigeria Customs Service under your leadership speaks volumes.
ACG Charles Orbih is quoted as stating that: “This honor does not just reflect your personal 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 Nigeria Customs Service needs to move the nation forward. Thank you very much and God bless”.
Dignitaries who graced the award night included officers of Customs high command, 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 customs Area Controllers, friends of the CGC, amongst others.
It was indeed a night of bliss,fun and pleasantries. Above all, it was equally a night of honour and celebration of the Iconic Maritime personality of the year 2024, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
In conclusion, 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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