Ramadan: Adeniyi urges unity, national service as customs hosts stakeholders’ Iftar
Maureen Aguta
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has called for renewed commitment to national unity, public service and shared responsibility as the Service hosted Ramadan Iftar gatherings with government officials, diplomats and industry stakeholders in Abuja.
The events, organised as part of activities marking the holy month of Ramadan, underscored the Service’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and promoting shared values among its personnel and strategic partners.
The first gathering was held on March 4, 2026, at the Dunes Hotel, where Adeniyi hosted senior government officials, diplomats, captains of industry, security chiefs and members of the Customs management team, both serving and retired.
Representatives of sister security agencies and senior media executives were also in attendance.
Speaking at the event, the Customs boss described Ramadan as a period of reflection, discipline and spiritual renewal, urging Nigerians to internalise the lessons of the season and apply them to national service and daily life.
“Ramadan is a period that requires absolute dedication to faith. It is a time when we turn to God in prayer and seek guidance in all that we do,” Adeniyi said.
“I encourage all of us to carry the lessons of this season into our daily lives — in our interactions with one another, with our families, in our businesses and, most importantly, in our service to the nation.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends largely on unity and collective commitment, noting that collaboration among public institutions, the private sector and citizens remains vital to sustaining peace and economic growth.
“This period calls for total dedication to the service of the country. We must remain united in our commitment to national unity, in our pursuit of economic prosperity and in our determination to strengthen peace and progress in Nigeria,” he added.
In his remarks, the Director of Home Finance at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Ali Muhammad, commended the leadership of the NCS for advancing reforms aimed at strengthening trade administration and boosting revenue generation.
He particularly highlighted the Service’s growing reliance on technology to modernise customs processes, citing the indigenous digital trade platform, B’Odogwu, as a major step toward improving efficiency and transparency in cargo clearance.
According to him, the reforms align with the Federal Government’s economic recovery agenda and will enhance trade facilitation, reduce operational bottlenecks and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.
Similarly, the Managing Director of Trade Modernisation Project Limited, Jummai Umar-Ajijola, praised the Customs leadership for promoting innovation and institutional reforms within the Service.
She referenced the recent international technology conference in Abu Dhabi where the NCS showcased the B’Odogwu digital platform, attracting strong interest from global participants who commended the Service’s indigenous technology-driven approach to customs administration.
As part of the Ramadan activities, the management of the Nigeria Customs Service also hosted another Iftar dinner at the Service Headquarters in Maitama on March 5, 2026. The event, organised by Trade Modernisation Project Limited, brought together officers and personnel of the Service in an atmosphere of unity and reflection as Muslim officers observed the breaking of the day’s fast.
Addressing officers at the gathering, Adeniyi described the fasting period as a time for self-reflection, spiritual growth and renewed dedication to service.
“I pray that the Almighty will answer all our prayers. During the remaining days of Ramadan and Lent, may all our supplications be accepted,” he said.
The Customs chief also urged officers to demonstrate compassion, unity and mutual support.
“We should be reminded that during this period we are expected to show love and affection to one another. I wish you a remarkable fasting period, and may we witness many more Ramadans and Lenten seasons,” he added.