…to consolidate reforms, implement National Single Window, and drive AfCFTA obligations
ABUJA, Nigeria — July 31, 2025 —
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has officially extended the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, by one year. The extension, which comes just a month before the end of his current term on August 31, 2025, was confirmed through a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
According to the official statement, the extension is aimed at allowing Mr. Adeniyi to consolidate the critical reforms he has championed within the Customs Service, complete strategic modernisation initiatives, and advance key international obligations, including Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the decision underscores the administration’s trust in Mr. Adeniyi’s leadership and the importance it places on institutional reforms within key revenue-generating agencies.
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Strategic Mandates Tied to the Extension
In the announcement signed by Mr. Onanuga, three key priority areas were identified as reasons for the one-year extension:
- Modernisation of the Nigeria Customs Service:
Mr. Adeniyi is expected to continue leading the digital and structural transformation of the Customs Service, an initiative that has seen significant strides since his appointment in 2023. This includes the integration of technology to streamline operations, reduce corruption, and improve service delivery. - Implementation of the National Single Window Project:
A cornerstone of Nigeria’s trade facilitation agenda, the Single Window platform is intended to create a unified portal for all import, export, and transit documentation. The project aims to eliminate bureaucratic delays and improve transparency and efficiency in cross-border trade processes. - Execution of Nigeria’s Obligations under AfCFTA:
With Nigeria playing a central role in the African Continental Free Trade Area, Customs is expected to align its procedures and policies with AfCFTA protocols. This involves the harmonisation of tariffs, simplification of customs documentation, and ensuring seamless intra-African trade.
Tinubu Applauds Adeniyi’s Commitment to Service
President Tinubu, in the official communication, commended Mr. Adeniyi for his unwavering dedication and results-driven leadership over the past two years.
“President Tinubu recognises Mr. Adeniyi’s steadfast leadership and commitment to service. The President is confident that this extension will further strengthen the Nigeria Customs Service in achieving its strategic mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security,” the statement noted.
Observers in the presidency say Mr. Tinubu’s approval reflects a broader continuity strategy to avoid disruption in the ongoing reforms across key agencies, especially in a fiscal environment that demands maximum revenue mobilisation and trade enhancement.
Who Is Bashir Adewale Adeniyi?
Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi was appointed substantive Comptroller-General of Customs in 2023 after a distinguished career spanning over three decades within the Service. Known for his expertise in public relations, border operations, and reform implementation, Mr. Adeniyi previously served as the Customs National Public Relations Officer and held various zonal and regional command positions.
Under his leadership, the NCS has made significant progress in:
- Enhancing anti-smuggling operations across land borders;
- Increasing monthly revenue collections beyond projected targets;
- Introducing e-customs and automated clearance systems;
- Improving stakeholder engagement and public communication;
- Partnering with international organisations for capacity building.
Reactions Trail the Tenure Extension
The announcement of Mr. Adeniyi’s extension has drawn commendations from trade analysts, business chambers, and stakeholders within the maritime and logistics sectors.
Speaking with TJ News Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Ukata, a trade facilitation expert and lecturer at the University of Lagos, described the extension as “a well-thought-out decision that aligns with the national interest.”
“Continuity is crucial in Customs reforms. Adeniyi’s team has started implementing major system overhauls, and cutting that short would have been counterproductive,” he said.
Similarly, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) welcomed the development. Its spokesperson, Mr. Tobias Oche, said the extension would give the sector stability, especially as Nigeria intensifies its participation in AfCFTA.
“The National Single Window alone is a game-changer. Adeniyi must be allowed to finish what he started. He has shown openness and professionalism,” Oche stated.
Background: Reforms Under Adeniyi
Since assuming office in 2023, Mr. Adeniyi has led sweeping reforms targeting corruption, delay, and inefficiency. Key reforms include:
- Deployment of e-customs infrastructure in major seaports and border stations;
- Automated auction platforms to eliminate manual allocation of seized goods;
- Harmonisation of tariff codes to improve classification and compliance;
- Partnerships with the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Shippers’ Council to resolve bottlenecks;
- Expanded training for customs officers on AfCFTA protocols and digital skills.
These reforms have helped increase monthly customs revenue collections to over ₦400 billion on average, a record high according to figures released by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Looking Ahead: What the Next Year Holds
As the Comptroller-General embarks on an extended year in office, attention is expected to focus on:
- Final deployment of the National Single Window by Q2 2026;
- Continued digitalisation of all customs processes across Nigeria;
- Deeper integration of customs procedures into the AfCFTA digital trade ecosystem;
- Implementation of risk-based border management and intelligence-driven anti-smuggling;
- Enhanced inter-agency collaboration at ports and land borders.
By TJ News Nigeria
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