By our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a final six-month extension of the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, to enable him consolidate ongoing reforms and ensure a smooth leadership transition within the Service.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Adeniyi’s current tenure, which was due to expire on August 1, 2026, has now been extended until February 2027.
The Presidency said the extension is aimed at allowing the Customs boss to complete key initiatives, particularly the implementation of the National Single Window project, a flagship trade facilitation programme designed to enhance efficiency in Nigeria’s import and export processes.
The additional six months will also provide an opportunity for Adeniyi to work with the Nigeria Customs Service Board to ensure an orderly succession process within the Service.
During the transition period, the Comptroller-General is expected to oversee the promotion of qualified officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs and facilitate the compulsory retirement of officers who have either attained the age of 60 years or completed 35 years in service, in line with public service regulations.
Adeniyi joined the Nigeria Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late 1980s and steadily rose through the ranks of the organisation.
He became a Deputy Comptroller in 2012, was promoted to Comptroller in 2017, and attained the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General in 2020. In January 2023, he was appointed Acting Deputy Comptroller-General before President Tinubu named him Comptroller-General of Customs in June 2023.
The Presidency expressed confidence that the tenure extension would support the continued implementation of strategic reforms within the Customs Service while ensuring stability and continuity in its leadership structure.
