By Muhammad Bashir
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), led by Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi, has pledged robust support to the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA) as it prepares for its upcoming continental sports event.
The games, scheduled from 18 to 30 November 2024, will feature military athletes from across Africa, promoting unity and athletic excellence on the continent.
During a courtesy visit to NCS Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 5 November 2024, OSMA President, Major-General Maikano Abdullahi, praised Comptroller-General Adeniyi for his achievements since assuming office, acknowledging the CGC’s proactive efforts to advance the Service.
Major-General Abdullahi remarked, “We have been closely following your activities and accomplishments. We greatly appreciate the values you have added to the Service and the country at large.”
He requested logistical support from NCS to facilitate the mobility of participants, officials, and equipment for the forthcoming games, stating, “We’re counting on your support for efficient mobility services, which will be essential to the success of our event.”
In response, Comptroller-General Adeniyi congratulated Major-General Abdullahi on his recent appointment as OSMA leader, noting his dedication to enhancing military sports across Africa.
CGC Adeniyi also shared his dedication to sports, including his involvement with the Nigeria Wrestling Federation.
“Sports have an undeniable power to build relationships and foster discipline. That’s why we support our athletes and extend this support to other sport federations. Military sporting events play a vital role in strengthening ties across nations,” he said.
The CGC assured OSMA of NCS’s full support, explicitly committing to providing the necessary mobility and transportation resources for the games.
“You made specific requests, and we’re looking into them. I assure you that our team is committed to assisting with logistics and ensuring smooth operations throughout the event,” CGC Adeniyi confirmed.
He further promised that the NCS would efficiently document and manage the clearance of all equipment and goods entering Nigeria for the event, stressing that Customs processes would be streamlined to minimise delays.
The Comptroller-General also revealed that NCS is planning its own upcoming sports tournament, positioning the Service to further engage with local and international sports organisations.
He affirmed that such partnerships would continue strengthening Customs’ commitment to fostering regional integration through athletic competition while enhancing customs procedures through human intelligence and collaboration.
