Group Urges N’Assembly To Reject Customs Boss’s Tenure Extension

A civil society organisation, the Citizen Initiative for Good Governance (CIGG), has called on the National Assembly to reject any proposal seeking to extend the tenure of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, the group’s convener, Adeyemi Akande, said the current leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) should focus on reforms and improved accountability rather than seeking tenure extension.
CIGG alleged that operational inefficiencies and weak oversight have contributed to revenue leakages in recent months.

The group also expressed concerns about the handling of seizures and auctions, claiming a need for improved transparency across all border commands and terminals.

The group further raised issues about internal promotion practices and ongoing administrative disputes, including reports of senior officers lobbying for tenure extensions.

It noted that such developments could hinder the progression of younger officers within the service.

According to the statement, CIGG is aware of instances where retired officers allegedly continued in service without board approval, a situation the group said should be reviewed by the relevant authorities.

The organisation urged the federal government to take urgent steps to strengthen internal processes within the Customs Service.

Among its recommendations were: A forensic audit of Customs operations and auction processes;

“The establishment of a functional Auction Committee.

“ A review of digital platforms previously introduced for customs automation, including their performance and accountability records.

“A reassessment of the proposed Customs University in Badagry, with a suggestion to instead invest in strengthening the existing Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, Abuja.”

CIGG said its recommendations were intended to enhance transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the service.