Tinubu Extends Customs CG Bashir Adeniyi’s Tenure to Consolidate Reforms
President Bola Tinubu has approved a one-year extension for Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), to enable him to consolidate ongoing reforms and complete critical projects.
Adeniyi, who was appointed acting CG of Customs in June 2023 and confirmed in October of the same year, was originally scheduled to end his tenure on August 31, 2025. With the extension, he is now expected to stay in office until August 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu’s decision is rooted in a desire to ensure continuity in key reform efforts.
“The extension will enable Mr. Adeniyi to consolidate ongoing reforms and complete critical initiatives of this administration,” Onanuga said.
The statement listed key projects Adeniyi will continue to lead, including the modernisation of the Nigeria Customs Service, the implementation of the national single window project, and Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocol.
“President Tinubu recognises Mr. Adeniyi’s steadfast leadership and commitment to service,” the statement added.
“The President is confident that this extension will further strengthen the Nigeria Customs Service in achieving its strategic mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security.”
Since assuming leadership, Adeniyi has been credited with introducing several measures aimed at improving efficiency, curbing smuggling, and boosting customs revenue. His extended stay is expected to provide stability for the successful execution of these policies.
The Nigeria Customs Service plays a crucial role in the federal government’s economic and security architecture, and Tinubu’s latest move signals a determination to maintain momentum in the agency’s ongoing transformation.
