CGC Adeniyi Tells Reason For Continued Merit Awards Support

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged the continued support of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA), saying institutions that identify and reward excellence deserve the support of all Nigerians.

Adeniyi made the pledge on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, when the Acting Secretary of the Nigerian National Merit Award, Mercy Musa, led members of the management team on a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General at the Service’s Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

Describing the NNMA as an important institution for promoting excellence in national life, Adeniyi said recognising outstanding Nigerians would inspire younger generations to understand that greatness is achieved through hard work, commitment and innovation.

“What we are doing is so important because we want the younger generations of Nigerians to know that there is no shortcut to greatness. They have to put in hard work and commitment. When a government agency recognises discoveries, innovations and excellence, it deserves the support of all Nigerians,” he said.

Adeniyi said the Service had supported the Award Office in the past and assured the delegation that the NCS would explore available lawful avenues to provide further opportunities to support the agency’s operations as partners.

Earlier, the Acting Secretary of the NNMA, Mercy Musa, congratulated the Comptroller-General on the extension of his service and his recent election as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation Council, attributing the achievements to his hard work, diligence and dedication.

She also said the NNMA is responsible for conferring Nigeria’s foremost award for intellectual and professional excellence, noting that since its establishment in 1979, only 79 Nigerians had received the prestigious honour.