Tinubu grants Adeniyi final six-month customs extension to complete National Single Window reforms and ensure orderly succession
President Bola Tinubu has approved a final six-month tenure extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, allowing him to remain in office until February 2027 to complete critical reforms and oversee a smooth leadership transition.
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The extension comes as Adeniyi’s previous tenure renewal was due to expire on August 1, 2026. The additional six months is expected to enable the Customs chief to consolidate ongoing modernisation initiatives, particularly the implementation of the National Single Window project.
The National Single Window is a major trade facilitation platform designed to streamline cargo clearance processes, improve efficiency at ports and borders, reduce bureaucratic delays and enhance revenue generation for the Federal Government.
According to the approval, Adeniyi will also work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service Board during the transition period to ensure an orderly succession process within the service.
Part of his responsibilities will include overseeing the promotion of qualified officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs and implementing the compulsory retirement of officers who have either reached the age of 60 or completed 35 years in service, in line with public service regulations.
The extension is expected to provide continuity for ongoing institutional reforms within the Nigeria Customs Service, which has in recent years intensified efforts to modernise operations, improve trade compliance and strengthen revenue collection.
Adeniyi was appointed Comptroller-General of Customs by President Tinubu in June 2023 following a distinguished career spanning several decades within the service.
A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Adeniyi joined the Nigeria Customs Service in the late 1980s and steadily rose through the ranks.
His progression within the service saw him become Deputy Comptroller in 2012, Comptroller in 2017, Assistant Comptroller-General in 2020 and Acting Deputy Comptroller-General in January 2023 before his eventual appointment as Customs boss.
Since assuming office, Adeniyi has been associated with reforms aimed at improving customs administration, facilitating legitimate trade and strengthening collaboration between the service and stakeholders in the public and private sectors.
The latest extension underscores the Federal Government’s confidence in his leadership as the Nigeria Customs Service continues implementing strategic reforms intended to modernise border management and improve the country’s trade environment.
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The decision also provides additional time for succession planning within the service, ensuring that promotions, retirements and leadership changes are managed in an orderly manner ahead of the appointment of a new Comptroller-General.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
