The One Voice Development Initiative, a civil-based organization, has formally called on President Bola Tinubu to extend the tenure of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) management, led by Comptroller General B.A. Adewale, citing continuity and stability in customs operations as vital to Nigeria’s economic growth.
In a press conference held in Kaduna, the group emphasized that its request is non-political, grounded in the NCS’s recent achievements in revenue generation, border security, and food security, 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 outlined several key policies under Adewale’s leadership, including improvements in economic growth, effective border control, and the establishment of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline import and export processes. “NCS has achieved significant improvements,” he stated, pointing to initiatives aimed at transforming Nigeria into Africa’s most efficient trading nation.
The group further lauded the NCS for addressing food security challenges by mitigating smuggling and ensuring food availability through direct disposal of food items.
Abbas Yakasai said these measures have cushioned the effects of food scarcity on ordinary consumers, in line with Tinubu’s fiscal policy goals.
Revenue collection under Adewale’s leadership has seen a 74% increase, with NCS reporting N4.49 trillion in revenue between June 2023 and May 2024, compared to N2.58 trillion in the previous year. “The Nigeria Customs Service has declared a state of emergency in revenue generation,” Yakasai said, crediting the leadership for the unprecedented growth.
The organization praised NCS for aligning with global best practices as recommended by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), with an advanced stage of implementation in Nigeria.
According to Abbas Yakasai the importance of continuity in maintaining Nigeria’s economic momentum and urged President Tinubu to consider extending the tenure of the current NCS management.
“Continuity and stability are key,” Yakasai said, adding that the loss of experienced customs officers through the retirement system could hinder the progress achieved under Adewale’s leadership.
The One Voice Development Initiative concluded its appeal by reaffirming its support for Tinubu’s administration and its belief that the NCS leadership should remain in place to complete its initiatives and ensure a seamless transition.
