CSOs pass vote of confidence on CG of Customs
No fewer than 37 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), on Thursday, passed a vote of confidence on the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, citing what they described as his commitment to reforms, transparency and revenue generation. The CSOs spoke during a press briefing in Abuja, where they defended the leadership of […]
Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Adewale Adeniyi
No fewer than 37 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), on Thursday, passed a vote of confidence on the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, citing what they described as his commitment to reforms, transparency and revenue generation.
The CSOs spoke during a press briefing in Abuja, where they defended the leadership of the Customs boss and dismissed recent critical reports against him as misleading.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Amadi Chinda of the Initiative for Community Development said the groups carried out an assessment of the NCS under Adeniyi’s leadership and found that the Service had recorded significant progress in trade facilitation, revenue generation and institutional reforms.
According to him, the Customs CG has demonstrated professionalism and administrative capacity in repositioning the Service.
“We deemed it fit to call this press conference in Abuja to express our collective position following our assessment of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,” Chinda said.
“We believe some of the criticisms against the CG are coming from persons uncomfortable with ongoing reforms and stricter enforcement measures introduced by the Service.
“The reports being circulated against him are, in our view, misleading and do not reflect the achievements recorded by the NCS under his leadership,” he added.
The coalition said the reforms introduced by the Customs leadership were anchored on consolidation, collaboration and innovation aimed at improving trade facilitation, reducing the cost of doing business, enhancing revenue generation and strengthening anti-smuggling operations.
The groups also commended the Service for embracing technology-driven reforms, including the ongoing e-Customs modernisation initiative designed to improve efficiency and reduce cargo clearance delays.
According to the CSOs, the Service generated over ₦6 trillion in 2024 and is on course for stronger performance following revenue growth recorded in 2025.
They further stated that merchants in the South-East have benefited from improved trade facilitation measures introduced by the Service.
The coalition added that Adeniyi’s leadership had attracted both local and international recognition, which they said reflected confidence in the reforms being implemented at the NCS.
The CSOs pledged continued support for the Customs leadership and urged Nigerians to objectively assess the performance of the Service based on its operational records and reforms.
Some of the groups represented at the briefing included the Centre for Better Initiative and Advancement of Masses Empowerment, Initiative for Community Development, Poverty Alleviation for the Poor Initiative, Women Centre for Self-Empowerment and Development, Leadership Centre for Peace Intercity and Transformation Initiative, and Youth Enhancement Development Organisation, among others.