The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has announced the donation of a two-storey building to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism to serve as a Multimedia Resource Centre.
Adeniyi disclosed that construction of the facility, located at the institute’s Ogba campus, will commence once discussions with the contractor are finalised. He explained that the centre is aimed at equipping students with modern media skills, particularly in video production and animation, to enhance storytelling.
The Customs boss made the announcement during a special convocation ceremony where he was conferred with a Fellowship Award by the institute. An alumnus of NIJ’s 1989 class, Adeniyi noted that the project would also promote entrepreneurial development among students, preparing them for future career opportunities.
As part of the Service’s corporate social responsibility, he further pledged support for the NIJ Community Radio by providing a dedicated space and a transmitter to transition it from online broadcasting to terrestrial service.
Adeniyi attributed his commitment to giving back to society to the encouragement of President Bola Tinubu, while expressing appreciation for the support he has received in office.
He also thanked the institute’s Governing Council, led by Olusegun Osoba, alongside management, colleagues, family, and students for the honour, pledging to continue contributing to national development.
Speaking earlier, Osoba described Adeniyi as a distinguished figure within the Customs Service, highlighting his contributions to revenue generation and institutional growth. He added that Adeniyi is the first alumnus of NIJ to receive the Fellowship Award.
In his remarks, the Provost of NIJ, Gbenga Adefaye, said the recognition reflects the institute’s core values, noting that Adeniyi’s leadership has been marked by discipline, transparency, and reforms that have strengthened public trust in the Service.
He added that Adeniyi’s tenure has seen significant improvements in revenue performance and anti-corruption efforts, as well as increased international recognition, including his appointment as Chairman of the Council of the World Customs Organization.