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ABUJA, NIGERIA — A prominent coalition of civil society organizations has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, by six months, describing the move as a strategic intervention aimed at sustaining fiscal stability, boosting government revenue, and consolidating ongoing reforms within the Customs Service.
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice, an umbrella body representing more than 50 pro-democracy, accountability, and human rights organizations across the country, said the presidential approval reflects confidence in Adeniyi’s leadership and the transformation agenda he has championed since assuming office.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade James Okoronkwo, the coalition described the tenure extension as a “masterstroke” that would safeguard critical economic reforms and maintain momentum in Nigeria’s non-oil revenue drive.
According to the group, President Tinubu’s decision goes beyond a routine administrative action and represents a deliberate effort to preserve policy continuity at a time when the country is pursuing ambitious fiscal and economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The coalition noted that under Adeniyi’s leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service has undergone significant modernization, recording remarkable improvements in revenue generation, border security, anti-smuggling operations, and trade facilitation.
It highlighted what it described as record-breaking revenue performance by the Customs Service, saying the agency has consistently surpassed revenue targets and contributed trillions of naira to the Federation Account, thereby strengthening government finances and supporting infrastructure development across the country.
The group also credited the Customs leadership with intensifying efforts against smuggling and transnational crimes, citing increased seizures of illicit weapons, narcotics, and other prohibited items. According to the coalition, these achievements have weakened criminal networks and enhanced national security.
Beyond enforcement, the coalition praised the introduction of technology-driven reforms within the Service, including electronic cargo tracking systems and initiatives aimed at streamlining cargo clearance procedures at the nation’s ports.
It argued that the modernization efforts have improved the ease of doing business and strengthened Nigeria’s position as a competitive destination for international trade and maritime activities.
The coalition warned that a change of leadership at the Customs Service at this stage could have disrupted ongoing reforms and created avoidable administrative challenges.
“Nigeria is currently navigating a sensitive phase of economic and institutional restructuring. Maintaining continuity in the leadership of one of the country’s most critical revenue-generating agencies is essential to ensuring that ongoing modernization programmes, revenue automation initiatives, and anti-corruption measures are successfully completed,” the statement said.
The group further maintained that the six-month extension would provide adequate time for the consolidation of ongoing projects and facilitate a smoother transition process whenever a change of leadership eventually occurs.
While congratulating Adeniyi on the extension, the coalition called on officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service to intensify efforts in protecting the nation’s borders and supporting the administration’s economic agenda.
It urged Customs commands nationwide to strengthen surveillance operations, close loopholes exploited by smugglers, and sustain the agency’s drive toward greater efficiency and accountability.
The coalition concluded by reaffirming its support for President Tinubu’s decision, describing it as a prudent and forward-looking measure that prioritizes national interest, economic stability, and institutional effectiveness.
“The extension of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s tenure demonstrates the President’s commitment to rewarding performance, preserving reform momentum, and ensuring the continued growth of Nigeria’s non-oil revenue sector,” the statement added.
The development comes amid growing attention on the role of the Nigeria Customs Service in supporting government revenue targets and facilitating trade as the federal government seeks to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil earnings.
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