Tinubu approves tenure extension for Customs CG

President Tinubu has extended Customs boss Bashir Adeniyi’s tenure by one year, to August 2026, to complete key reforms and projects. Appointed in 2023, Adeniyi is praised for his leadership in modernising the service and advancing trade, revenue, and border security.

President Bola Tinubu has granted an extension of one year to the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. This means that instead of retiring in August 2025 as initially scheduled, Adeniyi will now remain in office until August 2026. The extension reflects the President’s confidence in Adeniyi’s leadership and his desire to provide continuity for the Customs Service at a crucial time in its reform agenda.

The decision was made public through a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. According to the statement, the extension is intended to enable Adeniyi to consolidate the progress made so far in overhauling the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service and to ensure the completion of several strategic initiatives under the current administration.

Among the major projects Adeniyi is expected to continue overseeing are the comprehensive modernisation of the Nigeria Customs Service, the implementation of the National Single Window Project aimed at streamlining trade processes, and the fulfilment of Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocol, which is designed to enhance intra-African trade.

The statement further highlighted President Tinubu’s recognition of Adeniyi’s dedication, professionalism, and strong commitment to public service. The President believes that extending Adeniyi’s tenure will strengthen the Customs Service’s capacity to fulfil its core functions, which include facilitating legitimate trade, generating revenue for the government, and ensuring the security of Nigeria’s borders.

Bashir Adewale Adeniyi was first appointed to head the Nigeria Customs Service in an acting capacity in June 2023, following the exit of former Comptroller-General Hameed Ali. His appointment was later confirmed in October 2023, when President Tinubu officially named him the substantive Comptroller-General. Since taking office, Adeniyi has been instrumental in pushing forward reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and transparency of the Customs Service, aligning its operations more closely with global standards and national development goals.