A civil society group, the Citizen Initiative for Good Governance (CIGG), has raised the alarm over alleged corruption and mismanagement in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), urging the National Assembly to reject any plans to extend the tenure of its Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
In a strongly-worded statement released on Wednesday, the group’s national convener, Adeyemi Akande, accused the current customs leadership of enabling systemic corruption, revenue leakages, and undermining meritocracy.
“The customs CG was politically installed and has functioned more as a PR figure than a reformer,” Akande said. “Officers are being promoted based on bribery, not competence, while leadership decisions have stalled professional growth and morale within the service.”
He alleged that some senior officials are lobbying for illegal tenure extensions, which he said has further entrenched inefficiency and mediocrity in the customs system.
Akande called on the federal government to urgently order a forensic audit of NCS operations and financial records.
He also demanded the creation of an independent committee to oversee auctions, as well as investigations into inactive digital platforms allegedly purchased under successive customs administrations.
Raising further concerns, Akande questioned the rationale behind the establishment of a Customs University in Badagry, Lagos, despite the existence of the Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
“How much public money was spent on this project? Why was it prioritised over improving current institutions?” he queried.
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He also drew attention to the poor state of customs marine operations, including the decay of jetties, bases, and patrol equipment, saying the situation hampers national security and trade efficiency.
According to Akande, the National Assembly has so far failed in its oversight duties, appearing “indifferent” to issues that could improve customs revenue and benefit the federation.
“Only decisive reforms and firm legislative oversight can rescue the service from its current decline,” he warned.
His remarks come just days after the NCS, through its national spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada, issued a public warning against fake recruitment and auction scams, underscoring growing concerns about the agency’s credibility.
The call for reform is likely to put pressure on the 10th National Assembly to act amid increasing scrutiny over public sector leadership and accountability.