Applause Echoes Nationwide As Tinubu Extends Adeniyi, Customs Boss Tenure

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The corridors of power and policy minders echoed with applause, the maritime sector buzzed with jubilation, and reformists across the nation cheered the news of the extension of the tenure of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for an additional one year beyond the stipulated expiration date of August 31, 2025.

The development hinged on endorsement of reform, resilience, performance and stability expresses both the official and general public’s sentiments. President Tinubu’s decision, formally announced by his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, viewed as more than just a bureaucratic extension but carries a resounding endorsement of leadership excellence.

CGC Adeniyi, who began his tenure in an acting capacity in June 2023 and received formal confirmation in October of the same year, has spearheaded a series of transformational reforms that have modernized the face of Nigerian customs operations.

At the heart of these reforms is the Customs Modernisation Project, a tech-driven overhaul that has introduced indigenous software for customs processes (notably B’Odogwu), the Advanced Ruling System, the Authorised Economic Operators framework, Time Release Studies, National Single Window Project, amongst other reforms initiatives.

Reacting, renowned economist, Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises (CPPE), lauded the tenure extension as vital and commendable.

“This extension is not just a matter of continuity. It’s a reward for a vision that is already reshaping customs erations,” he stated.

Watchers of industry also say Adeniyi has positively impacted revenue growth and border security, noting that the impact of his reforms goes far beyond digitalization. Under his watch, the Nigeria Customs Service  has surpassed revenue targets, strengthened surveillance across ports and borders, combated and mitigated smuggling of arms and illicit goods, fostered inter agency synergy, and with an improved bond with the security organizations.

An old hand in driving system efficiency, his commitment to elevating the ICT Unit to a full-fledged department—now led by a Deputy Comptroller-General has created structural backbone for future innovations.

For his outstanding, shinning performance, Adeniyi has continued to enjoy national, regional and global recognition, the most recent coming from the World Customs Organisation (WCO).

Adding international gravitas to his leadership, Adeniyi’s recent election as Council Chairman of the WCO unarguably placed Nigeria firmly on the global customs stage. As Dr. Yusuf notes, “It was a testament to Adeniyi’s professional and intellectual capacity and a win for Nigeria’s reputation.”

As informed jubilation cuts across the nation and the maritime industry in particular, industry operators and licensed customs agents hailed the President’s decision as “timely” and “strategic.”

The League of Maritime Editors (LOME) said President Bola Tinubu has shown leadership capacity and concern for economic growth and stability for extending the customs leadership tenure by a year.

Mr. Okey Ibeke, a port  efficiency analyst  and member of LOME, said “this singular action by President Tinubu clearly demonstrates his capacity at steering the national economy on the path of continous growth.

“In any economy where stability of well defined processes and significant reforms are not cherished and nurtured, a relapse in measurable growth is most times inevitable.

“Nigeria Customs under this CGC has positioned for optimal performance to drive the economy through focused viable blueprints and commitment. I congratulate Nigerians for this action because this extension is not for Adewale Adeniyi per se but more for economic stability and democratic deliverable of Mr. President’s administration.

“I think that President Tinubu should be especially commended for this singular foresight and action to maintain the momentum of the vitality of the present economic system’ Ibeke said.

Also reacting, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, former ANLCA President said, “With all he has accomplished, letting Adeniyi step down now would’ve been an own goal. He’s mid-stream in repositioning the Service.”

According to Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the tenure extension only proves that the government of President Tinubu not only understands the criticality of economic growth structure by also appreciates competence and results.

“We all know that the CGC has been like a bulldozer of a workaholic, he has been at the corridor of management for many years and have successfully used his experience to improve customs administration to grow customs trade and to maintain a firm hold on trade facilitation and national security.

“With this extension, Nigeria and the government have the opportunity to have him (CGC Adeniyi) around to reinforce the platforms and structures already in place and use those to steady our nation’s overall growth template. Now we are sure that the winning reforms in place will be solidified”, the ANLCA board chairman said.

In particular, the one-year extension which is very apt, is also very instructive as it allow Adeniyi to consolidate achievements and cement critical initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) commitments.

With confidence from the presidency and cheers from the ports, the CGC now carries forward the weight of expectation and the promise of transformation.

Yes the Nigeria customs boss may have been given just twelve more months—but for the NCS and Nigeria’s trade ecosystem, it’s an extra year to etch legacy into history.