President Tinubu extends Adeniyi’s stay as Customs boss by 6 months

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has extended the tenure of Comptroller General of the Nigerian Custom Services, Adewale Adeniyi, for a further six months to allow him stay in post until February 2027.

This was revealed in a statement issued Friday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

“The first tenure of the Comptroller General which was set to expire on August 1, 2026, was now extended for a further six months to enable him achieve some reforms in the service,” Onanuga stated.

The president’s spokesman said the extension of tenure was done “to enable him consolidate the implementation of the National Single Window and ensure orderly succession in the service.”

“During this transition period, he will collaborate with the Nigeria Customs Service Board on all critical personnel issues,” Onanuga added.

“The officer will ensure the promotion of eligible officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs and the mandatory retirement of officers aged 60 or those who have worked for 35 years during the transition period in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service Board,” the statement read.

Adeniyi enlisted into the Nigeria Customs Service after obtaining his degree from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late 1980s and climbed the ranks in the course of his career.

Adeniyi has been a Deputy Comptroller since 2012, a Comptroller since 2017, an Assistant Comptroller-General since 2020, and Acting Deputy Comptroller-General since January 2023. He was then appointed by President Tinubu as the Comptroller-General of Customs in June 2023.

This six-month tenure extension should allow for continuity in reform efforts within the Customs Service and enable a smooth transition of power.