Customs boss Adeniyi gets renewed six months tenure extension
By Uzor Odigbo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has okayed final six-month tenure extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, aimed at ongoing reforms and for smooth leadership transition at Customs
The extension, announced on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, will take effect upon the expiration of Adeniyi’s current tenure on August 1, 2026.
Under the new arrangement, Adeniyi will remain in office until February 2027, giving him additional time to consolidate critical modernization initiatives within the Customs Service.
A key priority during the extension period will be the implementation of the National Single Window project, a major government initiative designed to simplify trade processes, improve efficiency at ports, and boost revenue generation.
The Presidency noted that the additional six months would also provide the Customs leadership with adequate time to manage an orderly succession process and strengthen institutional stability within the Service.
During the transition period, Adeniyi is expected to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service Board to address personnel matters that are vital to the agency’s future.
Among these responsibilities is the promotion of qualified officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs, a move expected to fill critical leadership positions and enhance operational effectiveness.
The Service will also undertake the compulsory retirement of officers who have reached the statutory retirement age of 60 years or have completed 35 years in service, in line with public service regulations.
The extension underscores the Federal Government’s confidence in Adeniyi’s leadership and the reforms he has championed since assuming office as Customs Comptroller-General.
Since his appointment, the Customs Service has pursued a series of modernization measures aimed at strengthening border management, improving trade facilitation, and enhancing revenue collection.
Adeniyi’s journey in the Customs Service spans several decades, reflecting a steady rise through the ranks of the organization.
A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, he joined the Customs Service in the late 1980s and built a career marked by progressive leadership responsibilities.
His advancement within the Service saw him attain the rank of Deputy Comptroller in 2012 before being promoted to Comptroller in 2017.
He subsequently became an Assistant Comptroller-General in 2020 and was elevated to Acting Deputy Comptroller-General in January 2023, positioning him among the top hierarchy of the Service.
