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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.

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. Commends daughter at book launch as Emir of Zazzau expresses hope for positive change

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has called for the protection of the girl-child against systemic vulnerabilities that drive women and youth toward drug abuse and exploitation.

Marwa who made the call in his remarks at the public presentation of a book: “In The Shadow of the Neem Tree,” written by his daughter, Barrister Mariam Marwa-Abdu in Kaduna on Saturday 11th July 2026, stated that “by protecting the girl-child, we protect the family, and by protecting the family, we secure the nation.”
He said effort to protect the vulnerable in the society is not one to be left to government and non-governmental organisations alone but must be embraced by every stakeholder including traditional institutions.

According to him, “as the Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, I see firsthand every day how systemic vulnerabilities like poverty, abuse, and lack of education drive women and youth toward drug abuse and exploitation. Advocacy like Mariam’s is the first line of defence. We cannot leave this battle to the government or non-governmental organisations alone. We need the partnership of our revered traditional institutions, led by custodians of culture like His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, to shift the cultural paradigm. We must protect our daughters, educate them, and give them the wings to fly.”
While commending the author for her courage, intellect, compassion and making him as her father as well as the entire family incredibly proud, Marwa urged the gathering to make the message conveyed on the pages of the book reach every corner of the society.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Marwa said “As a father, today holds a very special, symbolic meaning for me. They say a fruit does not fall far from the tree, and today, Mariam has proven that the roots of literacy and advocacy run deep in our family.

I have always believed in the power of the written word to reshape society, a passion that led me to author three books myself. Today, I look at my children with immense gratification. With this brilliant publication by Mariam: Abu set the pace for his siblings, with his work proudly published and available on Amazon; Colonel Mohamed Marwa has institutionalized his thoughts, having authored three books and co-authored the fourth one with me already; Dr. Zainab has lent her voice to academia and society with two books to her credit; and now, Barrister Mariam cements this family milestone as our fourth child to become a published author.

“To see all four of my eldest children, who are all coincidentally lawyers, pick up the pen to fight societal ills and document human experiences is the greatest legacy a father could ask for. We have become practically a family of authors!”
He noted that the book, “In The Shadow of the Neem Tree,” tackles an issue that is both heartbreaking and urgent: the reality of young girls forced into early marriages and the devastating consequences that follow.

“The “Neem Tree” is a common sight in our northern communities, providing shade from the scorching sun. Yet, ironically, under some of these very shades, silent traditional arrangements occur that eclipse the bright futures of our young daughters. Early marriage robs a girl of her childhood, her education, her health, and her potential to contribute meaningfully to society. Mariam uses her legal background and her storytelling prowess to shine a harsh but necessary light on these dark corners, forcing us to confront the bad outcomes of this practice.”

The author, Mrs. Mariam Marwa-Abdu who is the founder of Women and Children’s Rights and Empowerment Foundation (WCREF), stated that the book is not just a piece of fiction but a literary manifesto of her lifelong mission. She said through her NGO, which she founded in 2011, she has spent over a decade translating the words in the book into direct action.

In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, who was the royal father of the day, represented by Architect Haruna Abubakar Bamalli, the Barden Kerarriyan Zazzau and District Head of Basawa, expressed expectation that the event “will act as a springboard for individual and collective development.”

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Nigerian show promoter Sam Larry has made his first public appearance after surviving the fatal car crash that reportedly claimed the life of his bouncer. A video that surfaced online on Friday showed him in good spirits as he reunited with friends, reassuring many who had been concerned about his condition.

Following the accident, social media was flooded with rumours claiming Sam Larry had died, was in a coma or had both legs amputated. However, the video shows him standing, walking and lifting his legs while celebrating with Fuji musician Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and other associates, debunking the false claims about his health.

Earlier, Sam Larry’s associate, Akin Abolade, popularly known as Mr Lilgaga, confirmed that the music promoter survived the crash but sustained injuries. Reports also indicate that Sam Larry has now been discharged from the hospital and is recovering.

The crash, which occurred along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway on July 5, reportedly claimed the life of Sam Larry’s bouncer, while leaving the show promoter and others injured.