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OF NIGERIAN CUSTOMS, GROVELLING AMBITION, AND STYMIED CAREERS
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BY
TANKO IBN YAHAYA
To many people, the Nigerian Customs Service, (NCS), has different, varied descriptions. The ordinary man on the streets sees the agency as one whose duties involve vehicles. For stakeholders in the maritime, shipping, and automobile sectors, the men in ash-coloured uniforms are very strategic to their line of businesses – some playfully describe them as “necessary evil.” The managers, custodians of the economy, as well as players in the money-sector believe that the NCS is very germane to the generation of revenue to the national treasury. In sum, Nigerians are not only aware of the institution’s humongous contributions to the country’s revenue base, but also appreciate and commend the landmark feats recorded yearly. Given its unique role in the national economy and position in broad-based development, the NCS, has over the years, become one of the sought after public service agencies and to a large extent, most discussed.
Despite the impressive ratings of the NCS, as a result of its humongous inflows to government coffers, lately, it has been in the news for some strange reasons – which some described as unsavory. Following the presidential approval for an extension – for six months – of the tenure of the Comptroller-General; Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS has been in the spotlight. Somehow, many of the critical stakeholders seem not averse to the career-gift, but critical of the numerous attempts to skew the narratives about and around the development. Many argue that the frequencies of these diluted stories, which reeks of propaganda and mischief are tailored towards name-shaming a few people – for whatever reasons. From careful analysis, it has been a bouquet of rumour-mongering, blackmailing, backstabbing, and brinkmanship. Within span and space, the regular and social media has been awash with salacious fictions to stain and spoil the image and credibility of some people who have contributed their quota to the growth and development of the institution.
Perhaps, in their desperation to wet the appetite of their paymasters, the purveyors of the numerous tales by moonlight stories did not only expose their lack of historical recall and intellectual laziness, but also opened the doors and provided genuine stakeholders the opportunity to unearth the truth. Sadly, the wishy-washy diatribes were insipid, ineffectual, and invertebrate on all sides. On many fronts, these coterie of praise-singers, cheer-leaders, and palace jesters masquerading in borrowed nomenclatures succeeded, big time in bringing to national consciousness their paymaster’s irascible, spinless, and discrepant penchant for unbridled insensitivity beyond description – already known by some stakeholders.
Contrary to their calculations and conjectures, they faltered and failed, woefully in their insidious and infantile attempts at changing the narratives. Hence, they embarked on a sloppy and knavish descent to perdition and irresponsibility. Painfully, the “imaginary stakeholders” spewed their non-intelligence fictional piece and conjured dramas with the intentions of disparaging and denigrating some people, at the expense of their “godfather” who they whitewashed.
This intervention is driven by the wise counsel of an unnamed sociologist that, “any lie or misinformation not debunked well enough, may become the truth people believe if it stays longer.” Given the writer’s long-standing admiration for the profession and recognition of the agency’s frontal role in national development, this piece is necessary. Further juxtaposition of news reports, inquiries, and narratives being bandied around reveals that the realities are very far from the position painted by the “news merchants.” Indeed, the spins concocted by these fellows are riddled with falsehoods, tissues of lies, and innuendos. The coordinated media onslaught contained bogus claims, unimaginable stunts, and throwing of dust, dirt, and mud at people; within and without the NCS – who – though wrongly – they identify as potential threats to carefully guided, upcoming plans at total and longer control of the institution by their benefactors.
Perhaps, it is trite to poo-pooh and rubbish these narratives, by allowing the people to get to know the true situation of matters. Fact. Since the beginning of the 4th Republic, in 1999, none of the past 7 former CGCs and acting CGC got tenure extension. From Ahmed Aliyu Mustapha to David Ogungbemile; Jacob Buba Gyang; Hamman Bello; Bernard Nwadiolo; Abdullahi Dikko; and Hameed Ali – they never sought an extension of tenure, but left either at the expirations of their respective tenures or bowed out of office at the appointment of a new CG. Fact. From available records, CGC Adeniyi is the first and only person to have secured extensions of the office – not once but twice; for one year, and a new six months – meaning he will exit the position early next year. Fact. By this new presidential gesture, he remains the last-man standing of the 1990 and 1991 sets – having enlisted into the NCS in 1990. This is unprecedented! Some stakeholders keep wondering what happened to the core of the two sets, which had some of the best professionals who variously won awards for excellence, gallantry, and milestones?
Fact. The 7 DCGs and 10 ACGs that are due for retirement between September 2026 and January 2027 are leaving because they would have statutorily met either 35 years in service or clock 60 years when they take their respective bows. Their retirement is nothing near the mischievous and banal contraption being circulated in the media space. Fact. Nothing untoward happened with the promotion of some of the Class 2009 officers to the rank of Deputy Comptroller – some are still in the Assistant Comptroller cadre. As is commonly said, “a labourer is worthy of his wages,” they truly merit the elevations. From information pieced together, as Heads of some strategic Commands, Units, and Ad Hoc assignments, they contributed immensely to the success stories of the Adeniyi administration.
Some stakeholders confirmed that the promotions are endorsements and recognition of their service to nationhood. Further checks revealed that it is from this group of officers that the Management Team of the NCS would emerge – after 7 DCGs and about 10 ACCs are selected. Fact. Deputy Comptroller I.D. Olorunfemi got his promotion purely on merit. Contrary to spins, the Officer never knew, or had any form of official or private interactions with Hon. Leke Abejide, Chairman of the Customs Committee in the House of Representatives before his elevation.
Speaking further, a stakeholder in the maritime sector who pleaded anonymity declared, “I find it laughable that Hon. Abejide was mentioned in an attempt to rubbish the good works he has for the NCS, and the sector. I wonder how low and shameless people can go in their desperation for power, position, and relevance.” A senior staff member of a clearing and forwarding company who also pleaded for anonymity added that, “Abejide has done so much in ensuring the provision of the right legislations for the sector through the passage and assent of the Nigerian Customs Service Act, 2023. For me, to vilify and demonize him because of things that are ephemeral and transient is the height of callousness and wickedness.” A retired NCS officer, whose tour of duty included some of the strategic Commands, but pleaded anonymity asked, “why input the names of Olugbenga Peter and Ejibunu Hussein, both retired very senior officers into the whole mess put together by people of questionable characters. For the records, Olugbenga by virtue of his outstanding professional excellence ought to have been named the CGC, but lost out to politics and horsetrading. Ejibunu’s legendary achievements in every posting, particularly Lagos Command are known by many people.”
Though a few people argue that an ambition, if not properly situated and pursued may in the long run, lead to stifled and stymied career progression of a silent majority, some others differ, slightly. From comments by various stakeholders within and without the NCS, no one is begrudging CGC Adeniyi for having another tenure extension. They counsel him to leverage on this lifeline to address, and resolve some burning issues in the NCS. Some stakeholders wondered why the institution has not embarked on major recruitment for 16 years; like other para-military services did – a decision Hameed Ali, who handed over to CGC Adeniyi had wanted to close the gaps in the officers cadre before he was removed. A very senior retired officer of the NCS who pleaded anonymity advised CGC Adeniyi to, “take a cue from the Heads of other institutions who have periodic interfaces and interactions with retired officers on issues of service growth and development. Being the chief executive, he should ensure he carries everyone along – those still in service, retirees, and the past CGCs in all his engagements and programmes. He should realize that no one wants his downfall, but the collective desire of all is that he performs creditably by uplifting the image and credibility of the NCS.”
* TANKO IBN YAHAYA is a Public Commenator and writes from Katsina.
By Gloria Ikibah
Member representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo State, in the House of Representatives, Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, has expanded his electricity intervention programme to seven communities with the installation of 500KVA transformers and other power infrastructure.
The latest phase of the Operation Light Up Ideato initiative covers Ogwume, Dikenafai and Akpulu, where transformers, electricity cables and other essential components are being installed to improve power supply.
The intervention cuts across Ideato North and Ideato South, with the latest installations building on earlier projects in Umuopia, Obodoukwu, Abukwa and Umukegwu.
The completion of the transformer installation in Akpulu, alongside ongoing work in Ogwume and Dikenafai, brings the number of communities reached by the initiative to seven.
According to the lawmaker, “the expansion underscored his “commitment to addressing critical infrastructure needs at the grassroots and ensuring that communities that have long experienced inadequate electricity infrastructure are not left behind.
“Unlike a one-off intervention, Operation Light Up Ideato is being implemented as a continuing community focused programme, with more transformers expected to be supplied and installed in additional communities identified as being in need.”
The programme is aimed at improving electricity infrastructure in communities that have faced inadequate power supply, while supporting economic and social activities at the grassroots.
Speaking on the continued expansion of the initiative, Ugochinyere, who is also Chairman, House Committee on Downstream Petroleum, reaffirmed his determination to ensure that every community in Ideato requiring electricity infrastructure is eventually covered.
He stressed that the objective was to progressively close the gap in power availability across the federal constituency.
The latest intervention adds to ongoing constituency projects by the lawmaker aimed at addressing basic infrastructure needs across Ideato North and South.
By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government has rejected claims that Nigeria or the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) backed the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic, describing the reports circulating on social media as false and mischievous.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, said Nigeria “did not and will never support any military coup or unconstitutional change of government”, insisting that the country remained committed to democracy and constitutional order.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Enikanolaiye said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had taken note of social media claims suggesting that the failed coup attempt in Niger had the backing of ECOWAS and, by implication, Nigeria.
He said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically rejects these claims as baseless, irresponsible, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image.”
According to the minister, Nigeria remained a peace-loving country and a strong defender of constitutional government in West Africa, the Sahel and across Africa.
“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned,” he said.
Enikanolaiye referred to the Ministry’s Press Statement No: MFA/PR/2026/220 of August 30, 2026, saying Nigeria had already made its position on the situation in Niger clear.
He said the Federal Government had expressed deep concern over developments in Niger and called for “a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order” in the neighbouring country.
“Nigeria views with deep concern any unconstitutional change of government,” the minister said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s position was also informed by its close historical, fraternal and cultural ties with Niger.
Enikanolaiye added that the use of force to resolve political disagreements was inconsistent with Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
“As a sisterly neighbour bound by close historical, fraternal and cultural ties, Nigeria desires only peace, security, democracy and development for Niger, the sub-region and the Sahel.
“As was stated in the Press Statement under reference, any resort to force to settle political differences is contrary to this objective and to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy”, he said.
While reaffirming Nigeria’s membership of ECOWAS, the minister dismissed suggestions that the country supported the military takeover.
He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to ignore videos and narratives circulating online
“While Nigeria is a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it is unfair, mischievous and entirely false to suggest that Nigeria endorses or condones the military coup.
which, he said, were intended to create division.
“We urge the Nigerian public, both at home and abroad, to disregard the videos and narratives being circulated online by individuals seeking to sow discord”, he stated.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union’s position against unconstitutional changes of government.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and to the African Union’s zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government”, Enikanolaiye stressed.
He said Nigeria will continue to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community to defend democratic governance, uphold the rule of law and promote peace and stability in the region.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has impounded 676 firearms and more than 330,000 rounds of ammunition in its ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Nigeria.
Director-General of the DSS, Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, disclosed this while speaking with senior editors as he marked two years in office on August 28, 2026.
Ajayi, who has spent 36 years in the intelligence service, said the seizures were part of a broader effort by the agency to disrupt criminal networks, strengthen intelligence-led operations and improve cooperation with other security agencies.
The DSS boss, who began his career as a cadet officer and rose through the ranks to become the first cadet of the Service to attain the position of Director-General, also spoke extensively on the agency’s evolving approach to human rights, accountability, media relations and the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
He said his administration had focused on five major areas: strict law enforcement, inter-agency cooperation, accountability, respect for human rights, and infrastructural and administrative reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency.
According to him, the DSS has deliberately moved away from approaches that could blur the line between civil disputes and criminal matters, insisting that civil cases should be resolved through dialogue or the courts rather than arrests and the use of force.
“I have told my people there should be no arrest in any civil case,” Ajayi said, explaining that the Service now seeks judicial interpretation where necessary instead of resorting to coercive measures.
He cited the case involving Professor Pat Utomi and the alleged attempt to establish a shadow government as an example of the new approach. Rather than arresting Utomi, he said, the Service approached the court for an interpretation of the matter.
He also cited disputes involving the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, saying the Service had increasingly relied on judicial processes rather than arrests to resolve contentious matters.
A new approach to human rights
Ajayi said respect for human rights had become a central component of his administration, arguing that an intelligence agency could not effectively perform its duties while alienating the population it depended on for information.
He said the DSS had adopted what he described as “restorative justice”, including compensation and other forms of restitution where its operatives had wrongfully injured, detained or otherwise harmed innocent people.
The Director-General said the Service had paid more than N300 million in compensation in various cases, although he stressed that the figure did not capture all interventions because some cases were handled without publicity.
One of the cases involved a Jos-based businessman who was mistakenly shot by DSS operatives.
A court had ordered the Service in 2016 to pay him N10 million in compensation, but the judgment was not implemented at the time.
Ajayi said he ordered a review of such cases after assuming office and accepted responsibility for correcting past mistakes.
“When you wake up, that’s your morning. It’s never too late to do the right thing,” he said.
He said the victim’s condition had deteriorated considerably and that, after medical assessment, the Service not only provided medical treatment but approved an additional N10 million to help him rebuild his livelihood.
“We actually went further to set up a business for him, and he is now an employer of others,” Ajayi said.
He also disclosed that an Abuja-based businesswoman who was mistakenly arrested during an operation targeting suspected oil bunkerers was paid N10 million after investigators established that she was innocent.
According to him, the DSS subsequently supported efforts to rebuild her business.
Rep Ugochinyere Takes ‘Operation Light Up Ideato’ to Seven Communities
Nigeria Will Never Support Military Coup, Unconstitutional Rule — FG
DSS impounds 676 guns, 330,000 rounds of ammunition in anti-crime operations — DG
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