By Sandra Chukwunyere
In a move aimed at consolidating ongoing reforms and strengthening the Nigeria Customs Service, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a one-yea extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs (CGC) Service,Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
The extension, which was announced by the Presidency on July 31, 2025, will see CGC Adeniyi continue in his position until August 31, 2026.
According to the Presidency, the extension is designed to enable Mr. Adeniyi to build on the progress made so far and complete critical initiatives of the administration. These initiatives are geared towards transforming the Nigeria Customs Service into a more modern, efficient, and effective organization.
Some of the key initiatives that Adeniyi is expected to focus on during his extended tenure include the modernization of the Nigeria Customs Service. This involves leveraging technology and innovative solutions to enhance the Service’s operations, improve trade facilitation, and increase revenue generation.
Another critical initiative is the implementation of the National Single Window Project. This project aims to create a single, unified platform for all stakeholders to interact with the Nigeria Customs Service, thereby streamlining processes, reducing bureaucracy, and increasing efficiency.
Furthermore, Mr. Adeniyi will also be responsible for executing Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocol. This involves ensuring that the Nigeria Customs Service is fully compliant with the provisions of the protocol, which aims to promote free trade and economic integration among African countries.
The President’s decision to extend Mr. Adeniyi’s tenure is a vote of confidence in his leadership and commitment to service. Mr. Adeniyi has demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities of the Nigeria Customs Service and has been instrumental in driving reforms and modernization efforts.
The extension is also expected to provide stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service, which is critical for achieving the Service’s strategic mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security.
