Outstanding Service: AMJON to Honour Customs Boss, Spokesman, Individuals
By Raheem Ibrahim
The Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) is set to honour the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Dr. Bashir Adeniyi, for his outstanding leadership and reforms in the service.
The award ceremony, which is expected to take place on November 13, 2025, at the Rockview Hotel in Lagos as part of the 2025 AMJON Conference, will also honour the NCS National PRO for his mutual communication between the media and the service.
AMJON is also expected to honour Sylvester Othuke Egede with the prestigious Lifetime Award in Global Trade Facilitation, recognising his outstanding service and exceptional contributions to trade facilitation and maritime development among the distinguished civilians and organisations that performed excellently in their fields.
A statement signed by the Acting Chairperson of AMJON, Vera Osokpo, said Dr. Adeniyi’s leadership has been marked by significant achievements, including the full deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS), also known as B’Odogwu, which has led to increased revenue collection.
According to the statement, the CGC’s robust stakeholder engagement and promotion of good relationships have contributed to industrial harmony and seamless trade facilitation, making Nigeria a viable destination for investments.
The NCS Spokesman, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, is also being honoured for his exceptional work in public relations and crisis communication.
“Maiwada has utilized modern tools and social media to disseminate information about the service, earning the NCS the reputation of being Nigeria’s most vibrant in public information.
“His innovative use of artificial intelligence and interactive platforms has generated engaging audiovisual content, further enhancing the service’s image,” Osokpo noted.
The AMJON Acting President praised Dr. Adeniyi’s leadership and Maiwada’s contributions, saying they have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their duties.
Another awardee is Sylvester Egede, whose remarkable career spans over three decades, with notable positions including Assistant General Manager in the Managing Director’s Division at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
He has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and problem-solving skills, particularly in resolving traffic gridlocks on Lagos Ports access roads.
Egede’s efforts have led to improved traffic management, contributing to year-on-year growth in exports and Nigeria’s national trade surplus in 2024. He has held various positions, including Port Manager at Tin Can Island Port Complex, Traffic Manager at Rivers Port, and Personal Assistant of Operations to the Executive Director, Marine and Operations.
As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (FCILT) and a member of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Egede’s expertise and dedication to the maritime industry are well recognised.
This award is a testament to Egede’s dedication and expertise in maritime development and trade facilitation. AMJON congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to his continued contributions to the industry.
The ceremony will also honour other commands, organizations, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the maritime industry.
