The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to supporting the Nigerian National Merit Award (NNMA), describing the institution as a vital platform for recognising excellence and inspiring future generations of Nigerians.
Adeniyi made the pledge during a courtesy visit by the Acting Secretary of the Nigerian National Merit Award, Mercy Musa, and members of the agency’s management team to the Customs Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
The Customs boss said institutions that identify and reward outstanding achievements deserve the backing of all Nigerians, stressing that recognising excellence is essential to fostering innovation, hard work and national development.
According to him, the NNMA plays a significant role in encouraging younger Nigerians to pursue greatness through dedication and commitment rather than seeking shortcuts to success.
“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,” Adeniyi said.
He recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service had supported the Award Office in the past and assured the delegation that the Service would continue to explore lawful avenues to strengthen its partnership with the NNMA and support its operations.
Earlier, the Acting Secretary of the Nigerian National Merit Award, Mercy Musa, congratulated Adeniyi on the extension of his tenure as Comptroller-General of Customs and his recent election as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.
She attributed the achievements to his hard work, diligence and dedication to public service, describing them as a source of pride for Nigeria.
Musa also highlighted the significance of the NNMA as Nigeria’s highest honour for intellectual and professional excellence, noting that since its establishment in 1979, only 79 Nigerians have received the prestigious award.
