The Nigerian Institute of Journalism has conferred a fellowship on the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, at its special convocation ceremony held on Wednesday at its Ogba, Lagos campus.

The conferment, which took place at the Sir Kensington Adebutu Media Resource Centre, drew dignitaries from across the media, security, and business sectors, including alumni and scholars of the institute.

Adeniyi, an alumnus of the institute, made history as the first NIJ graduate to be awarded the prestigious Fellowship (FNIJ), marking a significant milestone for the institution.

In his address, the Provost of the institute, Gbenga Adefaye, described the honour as a reflection of the enduring values of the institution, noting that, “this honour represents more than recognition of individual achievement. It is a declaration that the values nurtured within this Institute can find powerful expression in national leadership.”

He further highlighted Adeniyi’s transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service, recalling that the organisation was once perceived as rigid and opaque. According to him, “he redefined the Service’s voice, introduced transparency in place of silence, and built meaningful bridges between the institution and the public.”

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Adefaye also noted that Adeniyi’s leadership has balanced enforcement with trade facilitation, stating that his approach has strengthened national security while improving economic productivity. He added that the Service recorded over ₦6 trillion in revenue within a single year under Adeniyi’s stewardship, significantly boosting Nigeria’s non-oil revenue.

The Provost emphasised Adeniyi’s academic and professional achievements, describing him as a “disciplined scholar-officer” whose career combines intellectual depth with operational excellence. He pointed to his global recognition, including his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council, as evidence of his growing international influence.

The special convocation forms part of the institute’s long-standing tradition of recognising distinguished individuals who have contributed significantly to national development and the media ecosystem.

Past honourees include prominent Nigerians such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Executive Governor of Ogun State, Chief Sam Amuka Pemu, Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Television and Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Publisher of This Day Newspapers and Chairman of Arise Broadcast Group.

With Adeniyi’s conferment, the institute not only celebrated an outstanding professional but also reinforced its commitment to nurturing leaders whose impact transcends the media industry.