The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving a six-month tenure extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, describing the decision as a demonstration of the President’s commitment to continuity, competence, and institutional stability.
The Ooni who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) also congratulated Adeniyi on the extension, saying it was a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contributions to the transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria’s economic development.
In a statement on Saturday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni noted that the Customs boss has distinguished himself through visionary leadership, professionalism, and dedication to public service since assuming office in 2023.
According to the Ooni, the extension will provide the needed opportunity for Adeniyi to consolidate ongoing reforms, particularly the implementation of the National Single Window project, which is expected to enhance trade facilitation, improve ease of doing business, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.
The Ooni lauded President Tinubu for recognising excellence and rewarding performance, stressing that effective governance requires capable hands to drive critical national reforms to completion.
“Ongoing reforms within strategic institutions such as the Nigeria Customs Service require continuity and stability. President Tinubu has once again demonstrated statesmanship by prioritising national interest and ensuring that important projects capable of advancing the nation’s economy are not disrupted,” the Ooni stated.
He further praised Adeniyi for introducing innovative initiatives that have modernised customs operations, improved revenue generation, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and strengthened the Service’s relationship with communities across the country through its Customs Cares Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
The Ooni described the Comptroller-General as a worthy ambassador of integrity, diligence, and professionalism whose leadership has brought renewed confidence to one of Nigeria’s most important revenue-generating agencies.
“Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has proven himself to be an exceptional public servant. His commitment to institutional reforms, technological innovation, capacity building, and national development has been commendable. This extension is not only a recognition of his achievements but also an opportunity to consolidate the gains already recorded under his administration,” the Ooni added.
Ooni Ogunwusi expressed confidence that Adeniyi would utilise the additional period in office to complete ongoing projects, strengthen succession planning within the Service, and further enhance the operational efficiency of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Ooni prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and good health for President Tinubu and the Customs Comptroller-General as they continue to serve the nation.