Tinubu Extends Customs Boss Adeniyi’s Tenure Amid Age Falsification Allegations and Pending Lawsuit
President Bola Tinubu has extended the tenure of Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, by one year despite serious allegations of forgery, age falsification, and an ongoing legal battle challenging the constitutionality of his continued stay in office.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu approved the extension to allow Adeniyi consolidate ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). His tenure, previously set to end on August 31, 2025, will now run through 2026.
The statement highlighted key initiatives expected from Adeniyi during this extended term, including the full implementation of the National Single Window Project, modernisation of the NCS, and execution of Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The presidency praised Adeniyi’s service, stating, “President Tinubu recognises Mr. Adeniyi’s steadfast leadership and commitment to service,” and expressed confidence that the extension would enhance trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national border security.
However, this decision is mired in controversy following an investigation by SaharaReporters revealing multiple instances of age falsification by Adeniyi.
Official documents show that he used two different birthdates: January 19, 1964, and January 13, 1966. Based on the earlier date, Adeniyi would have reached the retirement age of 60 in January 2024, making him ineligible for service under civil service rules.
Furthermore, records indicate he altered his employment timeline to remain in service, falsely listing continuous employment with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) from 1981 while applying to Customs in 1990. These discrepancies raise questions about the authenticity of his entire service history.
Adeniyi’s academic history includes studies at the University of Ife (1983–1987), the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, and Alliance Française, Ibadan. He was initially employed at the NRC and later joined the NCS in 1990 as an Assistant Superintendent of Customs.
Earlier in April, the Nigeria Customs Service had publicly denied any official tenure extension, stressing that such decisions were at the sole discretion of the President.
On July 31, human rights activist Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Lagos challenging the legality of the extension. Filed under suit number FHC/L/CS/1495/2025, the action claims that President Tinubu’s move violates constitutional provisions and the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
The lawsuit, initiated under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, names Tinubu, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Finance Minister, the NCS and its Governing Board, the Office of the Comptroller General, and Adeniyi himself as respondents.
Lead counsel Ayodele Ademiluyi and a team from Newworth LLP argue that extending Adeniyi’s tenure undermines institutional integrity and sets a dangerous precedent for public service accountability.
“For the avoidance of doubt, appointments and tenure extensions for the position of Comptroller-General of Customs are made solely at the discretion of the President… As of this moment, no such directive has been communicated to the NCS by the appropriate authorities,” said Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS National PRO, in April 2025.
The controversy continues to unfold as civil society groups and legal experts weigh in on the implications of allowing an allegedly ineligible official to continue in public service. The court’s ruling on the matter will likely set a precedent for future tenure-related disputes in Nigeria’s public institutions.
