By Joy Enamuna

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed recent media reports claiming an extension of the tenure of its Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, allegedly issued from the State House, Abuja.

The Service has urged the public to disregard such misinformation.

In a statement released by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS clarified that the authority to grant tenure extensions under Nigeria’s Civil Service Regulations rests solely with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The statement reaffirmed that the Customs leadership remains focused on its core mandates, including trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security, as well as implementing reforms to modernize its operations and strengthen inter-agency collaboration.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been drawn to a fake release allegedly from the State House regarding an extension of the tenure of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR. The NCS categorically states that this information is inaccurate and misleading.

“For clarity, appointments and tenure extensions for the position of Comptroller-General of Customs are made solely at the discretion of the President and Commander-in-Chief, in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other relevant regulations governing public service appointments. As of now, no such directive has been issued to the NCS by the appropriate authorities.

“The leadership of the Service remains committed to fulfilling its statutory mandate of trade facilitation, revenue collection, and national security. Under CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s guidance, the NCS continues to drive key reforms aimed at modernizing customs operations, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and enhancing Nigeria’s economic growth.

“We urge the public and stakeholders to rely only on official communication channels for accurate information regarding the NCS. Any updates on appointments or tenure decisions will be formally announced by the relevant government authorities. The Service appreciates the support of stakeholders and remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and service to the nation.”

The NCS reassured the public that it remains focused on its responsibilities and will continue to uphold its mandate with professionalism and integrity.