The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed reports suggesting that Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, has received a tenure extension, calling the claims “inaccurate and misleading.”
In a statement released Tuesday, April 2, 2025, via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, Assistant Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, clarified that no such directive had been issued by the State House. The statement, issued on behalf of the Comptroller-General, refuted the alleged directive regarding Adeniyi’s continued leadership.
NCS Clarifies Authority on Appointments
The agency emphasized that appointments and tenure extensions for the position of Comptroller-General fall solely under the authority of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023 and other relevant public service regulations.
The statement read in part:
“The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been drawn to a fake release allegedly from the State House regarding an extension of the tenure of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
“The NCS wishes to categorically state that this information is inaccurate and misleading. For the avoidance of doubt, appointments and tenure extensions for the position of Comptroller-General of Customs are made solely at the discretion of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other relevant regulations governing public service appointments.”
The agency further noted that no official communication regarding an extension had been received from the appropriate authorities.
Commitment to Reform and Public Trust
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security—key pillars of its statutory responsibilities. Under Adeniyi’s leadership, the agency has pursued modernization initiatives to enhance efficiency, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and drive economic growth.
The Customs Service urged the public and stakeholders to rely only on official channels for verified information and warned against the spread of misinformation.
“Updates regarding appointments or tenure decisions will be formally communicated through the appropriate government authorities,” the statement added.
Context and Implications
The denial comes amid growing speculation over leadership stability in key government institutions. Adeniyi, who has spearheaded major reforms within the NCS, continues to lead as the agency advances its operational efficiency and economic contributions.
Recently, government agencies have been combating misinformation regarding appointments and policy decisions. The NCS emphasized its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and accountability, highlighting the importance of accurate reporting in matters of national interest.
As the federal government pushes forward with institutional reforms and restructuring, clarity on tenure appointments remains critical in ensuring stability within key agencies like the NCS.
