President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a one-year extension of tenure for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, whose term was initially set to expire on August 31, 2025.
According to a statement released by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the extension is aimed at allowing Mr. Adeniyi to consolidate critical reforms and complete key initiatives under the current administration.
“The extension will enable the CG to drive forward the ongoing modernisation of the Nigeria Customs Service, ensure the full implementation of the National Single Window Project, and advance Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” Onanuga stated.
Key Objectives of the Extension
- Customs Modernisation Project: Continued digitisation and structural upgrades across NCS operations.
- National Single Window Implementation: Seamless integration of trade systems to reduce bottlenecks at ports and borders.
- AfCFTA Commitments: Strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness under the continental free trade agreement.
The Presidency commended Mr. Adeniyi’s “steadfast leadership and dedication to service,” noting that the decision aligns with President Tinubu’s broader agenda to strengthen trade facilitation, improve revenue collection, and tighten national border security.
Adeniyi’s Performance So Far
Since assuming office, Mr. Adeniyi has been widely credited with:
- Boosting revenue generation significantly;
- Cracking down on smuggling and illicit trade;
- And enhancing transparency within the Customs Service.
Under his leadership, the Customs Service reported ₦1.3 trillion in revenue in Q1 2025 alone, a major leap that underscores the impact of reforms.
Public Reactions and Next Steps
Stakeholders across the trade and logistics sectors have welcomed the extension, describing it as a move that ensures continuity and deepens investor confidence in Nigeria’s customs infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting agencies like the NCS in achieving national development goals through technology, transparency, and reform-driven leadership.
