The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dismissed reports suggesting the extension of the tenure of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, describing the claim as false and misleading. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, clarified that the news circulating about the alleged extension was unfounded and not authorized by the appropriate government authorities.
Maiwada explained that the tenure of the Comptroller General of Customs is subject to the discretion of the President of Nigeria, in accordance with the provisions of the NCS Act 2023 and other relevant regulations governing public service appointments. He emphasized that the NCS has not received any official directive regarding an extension of Adeniyi’s tenure, and the report in question was not issued by credible sources.
The controversy began when a report, allegedly from the State House, surfaced, claiming that the President had extended Adeniyi’s tenure as the CGC. This news quickly spread across various platforms, leading to speculation and uncertainty among stakeholders in the public and private sectors. However, the NCS quickly issued a strong rebuttal to the misleading report, clarifying that no such directive had been given by the President or communicated to the service.
“The attention of the NCS has been drawn to a fake release allegedly from the State House regarding an extension of the tenure of the CGC, Adewale Adeniyi. The NCS wishes to categorically state that this information is inaccurate and misleading,” said Maiwada in the statement.
The NCS spokesman stressed the importance of relying on official channels for accurate information regarding appointments and other critical matters related to the service. According to him, the NCS has always been committed to ensuring transparency and professionalism in its operations.
Under the leadership of CGC Adewale Adeniyi, the Nigeria Customs Service has been focused on improving its core functions, which include trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security. The NCS has made strides in modernizing its operations, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and contributing to national economic growth. These initiatives are in line with the government’s goal of ensuring that Nigeria remains competitive in international trade while also securing its borders from smuggling and other illegal activities.
Adeniyi, who was appointed as CGC earlier, has been praised for his leadership, particularly in implementing reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency within the Customs service. His tenure has seen the introduction of key measures designed to streamline Customs processes, boost revenue collection, and improve security at Nigeria’s borders.
The NCS is also making efforts to improve its relationship with other government agencies, creating synergies that are expected to result in better enforcement of national security policies. These efforts align with the government’s broader strategy to combat economic challenges, including smuggling and illegal trade practices, while improving overall economic stability.
According to the NCS statement, any decisions regarding the tenure or appointment of the CGC would be communicated through official government channels. The public is urged to disregard unofficial reports and rely on announcements made directly by the appropriate authorities, such as the Presidency or the NCS itself.
Maiwada also emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to upholding its mandate and will continue to focus on its responsibilities without being distracted by misinformation. He called on the public, stakeholders, and the media to be cautious about relying on unverified sources of information.
“The NCS appreciates the continued support of stakeholders and remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and service to the nation,” he added.
This incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation and fake news in Nigeria, particularly when it involves high-profile public figures and institutions. As the country continues to battle the spread of false information, the NCS’s call for the public to rely on official channels becomes even more significant.
The spread of fake news can have a negative impact on public trust, particularly when it concerns issues that directly affect the national economy and security. In this case, the alleged tenure extension report could have caused confusion among the public, government agencies, and international stakeholders. By addressing the issue swiftly and directly, the NCS has demonstrated its commitment to transparency and accountability, which are essential for maintaining public confidence.
In a country like Nigeria, where the economy is highly dependent on trade and revenue generation, the role of the Nigeria Customs Service cannot be overstated. The service plays a critical role in ensuring that the country’s borders are secure, while also facilitating legitimate trade activities. As the NCS continues its reform efforts, it is essential for the public to remain informed about the actions and decisions of the service, and to rely on accurate, official information when making judgments about its operations.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible journalism and the need for media outlets to verify their sources before reporting on sensitive matters. While the public’s right to information is paramount, it is equally important that information be accurate and reliable. Misleading reports can easily cause panic, disrupt operations, and undermine the efforts of institutions like the NCS, which work hard to serve the public.
The NCS has made it clear that it will continue to fulfill its statutory mandate, regardless of false claims or external distractions. As it works toward achieving its objectives, the service encourages the public and stakeholders to remain focused on its achievements and the ongoing reforms that are shaping its future.
