The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, by six months, describing the move as detrimental to professionalism and career progression within the public service.
Sowore expressed his opposition in a statement posted on his X account, arguing that allowing public officials to remain in office beyond their retirement period undermines institutional integrity and negatively affects the morale of officers awaiting advancement.
“I wholeheartedly reject the six-month extension granted to the Comptroller-General of Customs after he should have retired nearly two years ago,” Sowore wrote.
“This kind of wrong-headed policy is a morale killer in public institutions. It undermines professionalism, blocks career progression, and sends the message that rules apply only to some while others enjoy political favoritism. No institution can thrive when due process is sacrificed for personal or political convenience.”
President Tinubu approved the six-month tenure extension for Adeniyi on Friday, moving the end of his service from August 1, 2026, to February 2027.
The decision was announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said the extension was necessary to allow the Customs chief complete critical reforms and strategic projects currently being implemented by the service.
According to the Presidency, the extension is intended to enable Adeniyi conclude the implementation of the National Single Window project, a key trade facilitation initiative designed to streamline import and export processes, reduce bottlenecks at ports and improve revenue collection.
The government also stated that the additional period would provide sufficient time for an orderly leadership transition within the Nigeria Customs Service.
During the extended tenure, Adeniyi is expected to work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service Board on administrative and personnel matters. His responsibilities will include supervising the promotion of qualified officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs and overseeing the retirement of officers who have attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 years or completed 35 years in service.
The extension has generated debate over succession planning and adherence to established public service rules, with critics arguing that such decisions could affect morale within government institutions, while supporters maintain that continuity is necessary to complete ongoing reforms and strategic national projects.
