A coalition of civil society networks under the aegis of Good Governance and Accountability Watchdogs has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, by one year.

The group, at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, described the President’s decision as a reward for performance, saying it would consolidate the gains recorded in the ongoing reforms of the Customs Service.

Coordinator of the coalition, Abdullahi Ibrahim, said the extension of Adeniyi’s tenure by President Tinubu was a testament to the administration’s commitment to institutional continuity, revenue optimisation and strategic trade facilitation.

This comes on the heels of an official statement by the Presidency announcing that the tenure extension would take effect from August 31, 2025.

The Presidency in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noted that the extension would allow Adeniyi to consolidate ongoing reforms and complete key initiatives under the Tinubu administration.

Speaking on the President’s decision, Ibrahim observed that under the dynamic leadership of Adeniyi, the NCS has witnessed unprecedented progress in Customs modernisation, revenue generation, border security, and anti-smuggling operations.

He noted that Adeniyi’s tenure has been marked by professionalism and innovation, adding that his team has blocked revenue leakages and repositioned the NCS as a critical engine in Nigeria’s economic development.

He said: “We therefore pass a vote of confidence on CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his intellectual team of professionals and gallant officers, whose dedication and integrity have repositioned the Customs Service as a central player in our economic development.

“With this extension, we are confident that port operations and service delivery within the NCS will significantly improve, ultimately boosting investor confidence, curbing economic sabotage, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global trade ecosystem.

“We equally use this opportunity to call on all men and women of the NCS to remain steadfast, professional, and committed to excellence as the Service continues on its upward trajectory.”

The group expressed its full support for President Tinubu for recognising and retaining excellence, and for his continued drive towards a more prosperous, accountable, and reformed Nigeria.