The Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN) has raised concerns over succession gaps in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The association warned that weak leadership transition planning could threaten institutional stability and service delivery.
MAAN President, Chief Jean Anishere (SAN), spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday while reacting to recent developments within the service.
She commended President Bola Tinubu for extending the tenure of Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
However, Anishere said the extension exposed deeper challenges surrounding leadership transition and capacity building.
She noted that the situation reflected gaps within the NCS Board’s succession planning framework.
According to her, younger officers needed stronger preparation for strategic leadership positions.
“The extension provides temporary stability, but it exposes failures in preparing future leaders,” she said.
Anishere stressed that training, mentoring and empowerment remained essential for institutional continuity.
She said sustainable leadership pipelines were necessary to preserve reforms and strengthen public institutions.
The MAAN president said the decision highlighted questions about knowledge transfer and institutional planning.
She added that the NCS Board must prioritise developing officers capable of assuming higher responsibilities.
Anishere described succession planning as a major lesson for public service institutions nationwide.
She said leadership should be measured beyond titles, positions and official recognition.
“Impact, standards, shared knowledge and lasting legacy define true public service,” she said.
The maritime arbitration expert urged agencies to preserve institutional memory through proper mentorship.
She said her election as MAAN president would support reforms addressing leadership challenges.
Anishere said the focus should extend beyond maritime arbitration to allied government agencies.
“The voyage toward eminence is defined by the standards we uphold,” she stated, adding that leaders should focus on the legacy they leave behind.
NAN reports that President Tinubu on June 19 approved a six-month extension of Adeniyi’s tenure.
The extension allows Adeniyi to remain as Customs Comptroller General until February 2027. His statutory tenure was earlier expected to end on Aug. 1, 2026.
The Presidency said the extension would help complete the National Single Window Project.
The project aims to improve efficiency in Nigeria’s import and export processes. It also seeks to strengthen trade facilitation through digital integration and coordination.
The Presidency said the extension would support key personnel decisions within Customs.
These include promoting qualified officers to Comptroller positions and retiring eligible personnel.
Officials said the measures would encourage an orderly succession process, adding that the move would sustain ongoing reforms within the service.
