The University of Ibadan has honoured the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his contributions to customs administration and national development.
The recognition followed a distinguished personality lecture delivered by Adeniyi at Trenchard Hall on Tuesday, titled “Why Customs Matters: Revenue, Security and Nationhood in a Borderless World.”
Organised by the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Security Management (TECESM), the event brought together professors, researchers and other guests from across the university.
A former Vice-Chancellor of UI, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka, chaired the occasion, while the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, served as chief host. Adebowale commended Adeniyi’s achievements at the Nigeria Customs Service. The TECESM Director, Prof. P. A. Aluko, delivered the welcome address.
Speaking at the lecture, Adeniyi said the responsibilities of Customs extended beyond collecting duties to protecting national interests, facilitating legitimate trade and preventing prohibited goods from entering the country.
He said growing globalisation had made efficient border management, supported by intelligence gathering, increasingly important to national security and economic development.
Citing the interception of 399 pump-action rifles and firearm components at Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, Adeniyi highlighted the role of intelligence and enforcement in tackling illegal arms trafficking.
On trade between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, he stressed the need to curb smuggling while allowing legitimate businesses to move goods without unnecessary barriers.
The Customs chief also linked effective revenue collection to public welfare, explaining that government funding for university students illustrated how revenue could support education and other essential services.
He identified digitalisation, revenue performance and cooperation with other security agencies as key elements of modern customs administration. He added that the Service must balance revenue collection and security enforcement with fairness, transparency and efficient service delivery.
Adeniyi urged universities and researchers to work more closely with Customs to develop evidence-based responses to smuggling, trade challenges and the needs of border communities.
Such collaboration, he said, could provide research findings and policy recommendations to help security agencies respond to emerging threats and changes in international trade.
