Thirty-seven Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on Thursday unanimously passed a strong vote of confidence on the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR). The decision was announced at a press briefing in Abuja, aimed at countering what they described as blackmail and unfounded media reports intended to tarnish his image.
CSOs Laud Adeniyi's Leadership
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Amadi Chinda of the Initiative for Community Development stated that the CSOs conducted a critical investigation and assessment of Adeniyi's three-year tenure. They found his leadership characterized by professionalism, pragmatism, and patriotism, which repositioned the service for high productivity and revenue generation while upholding transparency and accountability.
The CSOs and their leaders include: Amb. Splendour Agbonkpolor (Chairman, CBIAMEC); Amadi Chinda (Initiative for Community Development); Ejiroghene Akporume Ovie (Poverty Alleviation for the Poor Initiative); Chiamaka Chukwuebuka A. (Women Centre for Self-Empowerment and Development); Balarabe Muhammadu (Leadership Centre for Peace Intercity and Transformation Initiative); Idongesit Edidiong Etop (Youth Enhancement Development Organization); and Josiah Josephine Nanbam (Initiative for Advocacy Growth and Economic Advancement). Others are Funmilayo Eunice Obadare (Global Youths Awareness Development); Nosakhare E. Ehisogie (Positive Action for Agricultural Produce Initiative); Tamarapreye Ebiowei Godwin (Advocacy Centre for Professional Ethics Values); Adajinege Orahachi (Anticorruption Network for Peace Initiative); Chubado Barkindo Demba (Centre for Agri-Business Support in Nigeria); Abatcha Babakura H. (Citizen Centre for Positive Change Initiative); and Adda Manga Peters (Initiative for Transformation of the Under Privileged in Nigeria).
Allegations of Blackmail
Chinda revealed that those behind the media blackmail are individuals whose illicit businesses were disrupted by Adeniyi's policies. He said: "We have discovered that those who have contracted some sections of the media to blackmail CG Adeniyi are those whose illicit and illegal businesses have been grounded to a halt by the policies and operations of the NCS since he took over." He described their claims as unfounded and misleading, aimed at sabotaging the economy and revenue generation.
Adeniyi's Achievements Highlighted
The CSOs highlighted several achievements under Adeniyi's leadership, including a record-breaking ₦7 trillion revenue in 2025, supported by a ₦1.75 trillion collection in Q1 2025, which exceeded targets by 106.5%. In 2024, the service generated ₦6.1 trillion (₦3.6 trillion in Federation Accounts, ₦1.6 trillion in VAT, and over ₦800 billion in levies), surpassing the ₦5.07 trillion target by 22%.
Operational reforms under the "Renewed Hope Agenda" focused on improved efficiency, transparency, and stricter enforcement to eliminate revenue leakages. The implementation of digital tools, including the planned $3.2 billion e-Customs modernization project, aimed to increase efficiency and reduce cargo clearance times. Revenue growth was achieved despite a ₦1.68 trillion concession granted to support the economy in 2024. Based on 2025 performance, the 2026 target is projected at around ₦9 trillion.
The CSOs also noted that Adeniyi's trade facilitation drive benefited South East merchants, who previously faced high costs moving between Lagos and Port-Harcourt. His policies have earned him local and international awards, reflecting his dedication and transparency.
Vote of Confidence and Call for Support
The coalition unanimously declared their vote of confidence in Adeniyi and assured him of their support. They called on Nigerians to disregard the blackmail by criminal elements and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain Adeniyi to continue his reforms.
