The One Voice Development Initiative, a civil society organization, has called on President Bola Tinubu to extend the tenure of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) management, led by Comptroller General B.A. Adewale, emphasizing the need for continuity and stability in customs operations as critical to Nigeria’s economic development.
During a press conference in Kaduna, the group stressed that their request is non-political, instead rooted in the NCS’s recent successes in areas like revenue generation, border security, and food security—all of which align with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“Our call for the extension is pure, clear, and away from any political influence,” said Amb. Abbas Yakasai, National President of the One Voice Development Initiative.
Yakasai highlighted several key initiatives under Adewale’s leadership, such as fostering economic growth, enhancing border control, and implementing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline import and export processes.
“The NCS has achieved significant improvements,” he remarked, citing efforts aimed at transforming Nigeria into Africa’s most efficient trading nation.
The group also commended the NCS for addressing food security issues by curbing smuggling and ensuring food availability through direct distribution of seized food items.
“These measures have cushioned the effects of food scarcity on ordinary consumers,” Yakasai noted, aligning the progress with Tinubu’s fiscal policy objectives.
Under Adewale’s leadership, revenue collection has increased by 74%, with the NCS reporting N4.49 trillion in revenue from June 2023 to May 2024, compared to N2.58 trillion the previous year.
“The Nigeria Customs Service has declared a state of emergency in revenue generation,” Yakasai stated, attributing the unprecedented growth to Adewale’s leadership.
The organization also praised the NCS for adhering to global best practices, as recommended by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), noting that Nigeria is at an advanced stage of implementing these standards.
Yakasai underscored the importance of continuity in sustaining Nigeria’s economic momentum, urging President Tinubu to consider extending the tenure of the current NCS management.
“Continuity and stability are key,” he said, warning that the loss of experienced customs officers due to retirement could reverse the progress achieved under Adewale’s leadership.
The One Voice Development Initiative concluded by reaffirming its support for Tinubu’s administration, advocating for the NCS leadership to remain in place to complete its initiatives and ensure a smooth transition.
