President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a final six-month tenure extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, extending his stay in office until February 2027.
The approval comes as Adeniyi’s first tenure extension was due to expire on August 1, 2026.
The Presidency said the latest extension is intended to enable the Customs chief to consolidate ongoing reforms within the Service, particularly the implementation of the National Single Window project, a key trade facilitation initiative aimed at improving efficiency in cargo clearance and boosting revenue generation.
The six-month extension is expected to provide continuity in the execution of critical modernization programmes being undertaken by the Nigeria Customs Service.
Among the major assignments before the Customs boss is the completion and consolidation of the National Single Window initiative, which is designed to streamline interactions among government agencies involved in trade and port operations.
The project is regarded as a strategic component of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business, enhance transparency, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade.
Managing Leadership Transition
The tenure extension will also allow Adeniyi to oversee an orderly succession process within the Service.
During the transition period, he is expected to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service Board to facilitate the promotion of qualified officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs.
In addition, the Service will implement the compulsory retirement of officers who have attained the statutory retirement age of 60 years or completed 35 years in service, in line with public service regulations.
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Adeniyi joined the Nigeria Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late 1980s and has built a distinguished career spanning several decades.
He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming Deputy Comptroller in 2012, Comptroller in 2017, Assistant Comptroller-General in 2020, and Acting Deputy Comptroller-General in January 2023.
In June 2023, President Tinubu appointed him Comptroller-General of Customs, entrusting him with the responsibility of driving reforms and enhancing operational efficiency within the Service.
With the latest extension, Adeniyi is expected to conclude key institutional reforms and ensure a smooth handover process ahead of his eventual exit from office in February 2027.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.