The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending the tenure of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi as Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), describing the move as “blatant nepotism” and a betrayal of merit-based leadership.
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Ohanaeze alleged that the extension was a calculated attempt to deny Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) BU Nwafor from Anambra State her rightful elevation to the top job in the service.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide expresses deep dissatisfaction with President Tinubu’s decision, which tactically blocks DCG BU Nwafor — the most senior and qualified officer — from ascending to the position of Comptroller General,” the statement read.
Ohanaeze noted that CG Adeniyi is due for retirement, and by law and seniority, DCG Nwafor should naturally succeed him. Instead, the group claimed, the one-year extension appears designed to bypass Nwafor and position DCG KI Adeola as Adeniyi’s eventual successor, since Nwafor is expected to retire in October 2026.
“Institutional Injustice and Ethnic Bigotry”
Ohanaeze did not mince words in accusing the presidency of perpetuating “institutional injustice” and violating the federal character principle.
“This action represents a peak of favouritism, a betrayal of bureaucratic order, and an outright slap on the face of national unity,” the statement said.
“How can we speak of brotherhood and one Nigeria when merit is trampled underfoot and ethnicity becomes the currency of advancement?”
The group said the act undermines the values enshrined in the Nigerian national anthem and called on President Tinubu to reverse what it described as a deliberate sidelining of an Igbo officer.
“We call on the president to revisit this decision, which amounts to robbing Peter to pay Paul. It reeks of injustice, inequality, and a total disregard for the federal character principle enshrined in our Constitution.”
Presidency’s Justification
The backlash follows an official statement issued Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, confirming that President Tinubu had approved a one-year tenure extension for CG Adeniyi.
According to the statement, the extension is intended to allow Adeniyi to consolidate ongoing reforms in the customs service and oversee key initiatives such as:
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The modernisation of the NCS
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Implementation of the National Single Window project
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Fulfilment of Nigeria’s commitments under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement
“President Tinubu recognises Mr. Adeniyi’s steadfast leadership and commitment to service,” the statement said.
“This extension is to ensure continuity in reforms critical to trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security.”
Adeniyi, who was initially appointed in an acting capacity in June 2023 and confirmed in October of the same year, was originally scheduled to retire by August 31, 2025.
Broader Concerns
Ohanaeze’s reaction is part of a growing concern among regional and civil society groups who argue that appointments under the Tinubu administration continue to tilt towards certain ethnic interests, often at the expense of national inclusion and meritocracy.
The group warned that such patterns of exclusion could further deepen ethnic mistrust and fan the flames of division across Nigeria.
“This is not just about one person. It’s about fairness, national cohesion, and respect for the rule of law,” the statement concluded.
As the controversy unfolds, observers say the presidency will need to carefully navigate the optics and implications of its personnel decisions, especially in critical institutions like the Customs Service that symbolize national unity and institutional integrity.
