ANALYSIS: CGC Adeniyi’s Uncompromised Service to Nation Building; A Reflection of Leadership Mastery

I felt compelled to write this analysis after hearing the heartfelt praise for CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi from Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, and Wale Edun FCS, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Their genuine admiration for Adeniyi’s performance and dedication to his role deeply resonated with me.

Their powerful comments highlight not only his exceptional leadership but also the real impact of his work in strengthening Nigeria’s border security as well as revenue generation. Thus, this analysis dwells into these ‘powerful’ insights and reflects on how CGC Adeniyi’s efforts are making a tangible difference in Nigeria’s security space.

My analysis begins with two quotes from renowned theorists: Max Weber, the author of the influential book _Economy and Society, and Peter Drucker, the author of The Effective Executive.

These two giants—Max Weber, one of the founding fathers of sociology, and Peter Drucker, a management consultant and educator—present powerful concepts that are intriguing in the context of human society analysis.

Max Weber, in Economy and Society, states: “Charisma is a certain quality of an individual personality by virtue of which he is considered extraordinary and treated as endowed with supernatural, superhuman, or at least specifically exceptional powers or qualities.”

Conversely, Peter Drucker, in The Effective Executive, asserts: “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. Leadership is lifting a person’s vision to high sights, the raising of a person’s performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.”

Life itself reflects what exists somewhere, with humans serving as mirrors, either positive or negative. This is why I referred to the term ‘reflection’ in the caption of this analysis. By starting with quotes from these “giants,” I aim to enrich and refine the narrative.

Drucker argues that “effectiveness is a learned skill—and not something that people are born with.” In this regard, this piece aligns with Maria Montessori’s Educational Philosophy and Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, which contradicts with Drucker’s view.

Montessori and Bandura shared the belief that a child, through guided learning, observation, and self-directed exploration, can progressively develop cognitive and social skills. Over time, this development fosters a responsible adult who applies foundational skills—problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability—to achieve goals, manage responsibilities, and lead effectively, even in complex situations. This describes CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, EXACTLY!

Between July and September 2024—over a year after his appointment as Comptroller-General of Customs by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in 2023—Adeniyi has undertaken numerous initiatives that have garnered widespread attention. According to what I have gathered, his efforts have been saluted by not only the Villa occupants, Office of the National Security Adviser, Finance Ministry—but also the commons.

CGC Adeniyi has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fortifying Nigeria’s borders and enhancing national security by launching initiatives that benefit the public. There are numerous definitive evidence of that. Two recent events—the stakeholders’ meeting at the Office of the National Security Adviser and the seizure of illicit goods that were estimated to worth over ₦31 billion at Onne Port—clearly reflect his patriotic service and standard of leadership at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

It is often said that good deeds may sometimes be deemed common, but providing ‘frequent’ positive feedback from elders and superiors is not. The commendations from the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, about CGC Adeniyi during the stakeholders’ meeting, particularly regarding NCS’s strategic approach to curbing petroleum product smuggling—which in other word is known as Operation Whirlwind, was extremely impressive and encouraging.

In my opinion, petroleum smuggling is more than a sabotage against the national economy; it is a national security threat that undermines government efforts to protect lives and property, depletes national revenue, create fuel scarcity and destabilises the oil sector. Ribadu’s acknowledgement of Adeniyi’s achievements and targets inspired me to write this piece.

Under CGC Adeniyi’s leadership, the NCS has intensified its surveillance operations and demonstrated resilience in dismantling smuggling syndicates, which has statistically reduced the rate of petro-products being supplied to gunmen in the woods. This is why bandits now demand fully tanked motorcycles in their ransom lists, while other security operatives tactically use these parameters to target them.

Adeniyi’s commitment to utilising innovative technologies, such as real-time monitoring systems and blockchain, in combating smuggling further illustrates his forward-thinking approach. His speech before the stakeholders reinforced my belief in his dedication to transparency and accountability. Coincidentally, he has always been a reliable pillar—when it comes to honesty.

As he always advocates, no target can be fully achieved without forging ties with relevant stakeholders—from the team of security agencies and civilians. This is why the Comptroller-General’s collaboration with key stakeholders—including representatives from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and IPMAN—was crucial, in that regard.

This collaboration, from my understanding, will foster a comprehensive approach to combating and curbing smuggling—while also repositioning the NCS as a central force in preserving the nation’s economic interests at its borders and within. I am pleased that CGC Adewale Adeniyi has the support of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and his cabinet.

The recent confiscation of smuggled rifles, ammunition, military uniforms, and hard drugs at Onne Port highlights a critical intervention by CGC Adeniyi, likely preventing a catastrophe In a country already grappling with severe internal security challenges, particularly in the northern regions, the entry of such dangerous goods could have exacerbated an already tense situation.

Imagine the potential consequences if these weapons and uniforms had fallen into the wrong hands: bandits, Boko Haram, or unknown gunmen could have gained more firepower to wreak havoc across the country, potentially making it uninhabitable. The northern region, already destabilised by insurgency, could have faced a surge in attacks, with more innocent lives lost and communities displaced. Even outside the conflict zones, the circulation of such weapons would have increased the threat to public safety, leading to more frequent armed robberies, kidnappings, and violent confrontations.

The timing of this interception was also crucial—just days before the nationwide protests in August 2024. Had these military-grade weapons and uniforms slipped through, they could have been used to infiltrate peaceful demonstrations and turn them violent. Criminals posing as security forces, equipped with smuggled items, could have escalated the unrest, leading to clashes, destruction, and a breakdown in law and order.

Moreover, the smuggled hard drugs, like tramadol and codeine, could have had devastating effects on Nigerian society. Beyond immediate health risks, the influx of these substances could have exacerbated addiction, particularly among young people. Drug addiction often fuels crime as addicts turn to illicit means to sustain their habits, worsening Nigeria’s social and economic challenges.

At the heart of this success is CGC Adeniyi’s unwavering dedication and love for his duty and country. His patriotism is evident in his commitment to Nigeria’s safety and refusal to overlook the complexities of smuggling networks. Without his steadfast leadership, these dangerous items could have ended up in places where they would have inflicted more pain and suffering on innocent Nigerians.

Adeniyi’s resolve to combat illicit activities sends a strong message to smugglers and criminals that Nigeria’s borders are not easy targets. His actions demonstrate that, under his leadership, the NCS is not only a strong regulatory body but also a key player in safeguarding national security. The risks associated with the smuggling of arms and drugs are too significant to ignore, and thanks to Adeniyi’s vigilance, Nigeria has been spared from a potentially catastrophic situation.

The announcement of a state of emergency at Onne Port by CGC Adeniyi has sent a clear message that the NCS, under his watch, will not tolerate breaches of national security. His call for increased intelligence sharing and collaboration with other security agencies is vital for addressing the rising use of Nigeria’s ports as entry points for dangerous goods. Adeniyi’s belief in collaboration with other security agencies is integral to his policy approach.

One of the most impressive and distinctive achievements of his tenure is the enhanced efficiency and transparency of the NCS, alongside his promptness in meeting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This shift has built greater trust among stakeholders, from local businesses to international trade partners, including the WCO, WTO, and Western Countries’ Customs Administrations.

His deep commitment to safeguarding the country’s economic and security interests is evident in every initiative he leads, such as the Advance Ruling System and Authorized Economic Operators Initiative.

Meanwhile, following the recent Nigeria Customs Service Board Meeting, Wale Edun FCS, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, publically praised the Comptroller-General of Customs for his extraordinary commitment and professionalism.

Mr. Wale highlighted how the Comptroller-General’s dedication and impressive work are instrumental in advancing the Nigeria Customs Service Board’s efficiency. With emphasis, this strong endorsement reflects the CGC’s effective leadership and the significant positive impact he is making on the country’s economic landscape.

To conclude, I would like to reference a quote by Stephen R. Covey: “Effective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management is discipline, carrying it out.” CGC Adeniyi’s remarkable tenure as Comptroller-General of Customs embodies this philosophy, with his disciplined and focused leadership bringing significant strides in border security and economic safeguard

Additionally, his exemplary leadership aligns with John C. Maxwell’s words: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” CGC Adeniyi clearly understands the path to success and leads by example, inspiring those around him. His distinctive achievements and unwavering dedication reflect his profound grasp of leadership and service to the nation, marking him as a true patriot whose professionalism reflects his mastery in leadership.