Sowore Rejects Tinubu’s Extension of Customs Boss Adeniyi’s Tenure

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s decision to extend the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, by another six months.

Expressing his displeasure in a statement shared on his X handle, Sowore argued that extending the stay of public officials past their retirement age severely damages the internal structure and motivation within civil service organizations.

“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 Bola Tinubu approved the six-month extension for the Customs boss on Friday, shifting the end of his leadership from August 1, 2026, to February 2027.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development in an official press release, explaining that the Presidency granted the extra time to ensure key trade initiatives are completed properly.
According to the Presidency, the extension is specifically intended to give Adeniyi enough time to finalize the roll-out of the National Single Window project and to set up an organized, smooth transition for the incoming leadership.

During this extended six-month period, Adeniyi is expected to work directly with the Nigeria Customs Service Board to manage internal administrative updates. His duties will include overseeing the promotion of deserving officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs, while simultaneously managing the mandatory retirement of staff members who have reached the age of 60 or completed 35 years of active service.