Renowned economist and former Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr Muda Yusuf, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, describing the move as both strategic and well-deserved.
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Dr Yusuf, who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), said the extension underscores the Federal Government’s recognition of the sweeping reforms introduced under Adeniyi’s leadership, particularly in technology-driven customs processes.
According to Yusuf, “President Tinubu’s decision to extend the tenure of the current CGC of Customs, Bashir Wale Adeniyi, is a welcome development. The CPPE congratulates the CGC for this mark of appreciation of his service to the country. The extension is well deserved, taking into account the numerous transformational initiatives under his leadership.”
He cited key reforms such as the Customs Modernisation Project, the Advanced Ruling System, the Authorised Economic Operators scheme, the Time Release Study, and the introduction of indigenous customs software known as B’Odogwu, which is currently being adopted in major ports across the country. These reforms, Yusuf said, have significantly improved the efficiency and transparency of customs operations.
He added, “The CGC elevated the ICT Unit into a full-fledged department headed by a Deputy Comptroller General of Customs to drive these laudable initiatives, including the National Single Window Project. This structural change shows a clear commitment to sustainable digital transformation in customs administration.”
Yusuf also lauded Adeniyi’s success in revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, and collaboration with security agencies in curbing illegal arms and contraband smuggling. He further noted that the recent election of Adeniyi as Chairman of the World Customs Organization (WCO) lends global credibility to his leadership.
“The election was an acknowledgement of his professional and intellectual capacity in managing customs processes and international trade. That recognition is not just a personal feat but one that uplifts Nigeria’s global image,” Yusuf stated.
However, the tenure extension has sparked controversy online following a tweet from ADC Vanguard alleging ethnic bias in the succession plan within the Nigeria Customs Service.
The tweet claimed:
“DCG BU Nwafor from Anambra State is the next in line to succeed CG Bashir. She’s retiring in October 2026. Tinubu deprived her of the opportunity to become CG by extending the tenure of Bashir by one year. DCG KI Adeola is taking over after she retires next year. #Shame”
The post has ignited debate on social media, with some interpreting the move as an attempt to sideline a senior Igbo female officer from ascending to the top post. While the presidency has yet to officially respond to the ethnic bias allegation, critics argue that such perceptions could fuel further distrust in federal appointments.
Despite the online backlash, supporters of the CGC insist that the extension was based on merit, performance, and the need to consolidate ongoing reforms.
Efforts by TheNigeriaLawyer to get an official response from the Nigeria Customs Service on the succession controversy were unsuccessful. A person reached via phone declined to comment, stating that he was not authorised to speak on behalf of the Service.
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