The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially refuted claims circulating in the media regarding an alleged extension of the tenure of its Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
According to statements released on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the Service categorically dismissed these reports as “inaccurate and misleading,” emphasizing that no such directive has been issued by the presidency, okay.ng reports.
This clarification comes amid growing speculation following similar extensions reportedly granted to other agency heads, highlighting the importance of official communication channels in government appointments and raising questions about succession planning within key revenue-generating agencies.
The Nigeria Customs Service, through its National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, issued a formal statement on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, addressing the rumors about the Comptroller-General’s tenure extension.
The statement categorically denied the authenticity of a release allegedly from the State House regarding an extension for Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. In his statement, Maiwada emphasized that this information was entirely fabricated and misleading to the public.
The NCS clarification highlighted the proper protocol for such appointments, noting that decisions regarding the tenure of the Comptroller-General fall strictly within the purview of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. This authority is exercised in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and other relevant regulations governing public service appointments. The spokesperson confirmed that as of the time of the statement, no such directive had been communicated to the NCS by the appropriate authorities.
In its statement, the Customs Service urged members of the public and all stakeholders to rely exclusively on official channels for accurate information regarding NCS operations and appointments.
The Service emphasized that any updates regarding appointments or tenure decisions would be formally communicated through the appropriate government authorities. This call for discernment comes at a time when misinformation can easily spread through unofficial channels and social media platforms.
The NCS reassured the public that it appreciates the continued support of stakeholders and remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and service to the nation.