By Isiaka Mustapha, CEO/Editor-In-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

As Nigeria faces persistent internal security challenges, porous borders, and economic sabotage, the leadership provided by the heads of key paramilitary agencies has emerged as a critical stabilizing factor. Under the stewardship of their current leaders, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have achieved notable progress.

In light of these accomplishments, extending the tenures of Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Immigration Kemi Nandap, and Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, would represent a prudent and forward-looking decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Keeping them in office would not only ensure continuity in ongoing institutional reforms but also reinforce security improvements and protect national interests.

The argument for tenure extension rests first on the depth of reforms initiated by each of these leaders and the ongoing projects they are currently spearheading. Bashir Adeniyi has transformed the Customs Service into a more responsive, transparent, and digitized agency. His reforms in trade facilitation, anti-smuggling operations, and port clearance have boosted national revenue, reduced bottlenecks, and strengthened Nigeria’s economic base. He has also introduced high-tech border surveillance systems and championed data-driven customs enforcement strategies that are gradually restoring credibility to the service.

Comptroller-General Kemi Nandap has equally demonstrated decisive leadership in overhauling Nigeria’s border management systems. During her tenure, the Nigeria Immigration Service has recorded major strides, including the expansion of the e-border surveillance system, streamlining of the passport issuance process, and effective repatriation of irregular migrants. These efforts have strengthened the country’s migration security framework, encouraged the use of legal travel documentation, and addressed systemic inefficiencies that had hindered the agency for years.

Similarly, the impact of Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been remarkable. As the first person with a professorial title to lead the Corps, he has introduced far-reaching reforms aimed at transforming the NSCDC into a key force in internal security management. His leadership has revitalized the Agro-Rangers initiative to safeguard farmers and rural communities, enhanced the protection of critical national assets such as oil pipelines, and established modern Command and Control Centres to improve response coordination. These achievements have infused the Corps with greater discipline, professionalism, and an intelligence-led, community-focused approach to national security.

One of the strongest arguments for tenure extension lies in the need to ensure continuity. Leadership transitions, especially in critical security agencies, often bring disruption. New leaders may review or reverse projects, causing delays or total abandonment of reforms. At a time when these three agencies are in the middle of institutional and operational transformation, it would be counterproductive to halt their progress. A change in leadership may erode the gains made and slow down the pace of reform. What is required now is not a reset, but a reinforcement of ongoing work.

Furthermore, the collaboration and synergy between Customs, Immigration, and NSCDC under their current leadership has led to more coordinated security responses. They have engaged in joint operations, intelligence sharing, and border patrols that have resulted in the interception of illegal weapons, trafficking syndicates, and smugglers. Their ability to complement one another’s mandates has strengthened Nigeria’s internal security framework. Extending their tenures would further deepen these partnerships and institutionalize mechanisms for multi-agency collaboration.

Another factor in support of tenure extension is the stability these leaders have brought to their respective institutions. They have earned the confidence of their personnel, improved staff morale, and shown accountability in public service. Through training programs, strategic appointments, and a focus on merit, they have built stronger institutions capable of withstanding political or social pressure. They also reflect a level of professionalism and national loyalty that aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

It is also important to note that while the NSCDC Commandant-General, Professor Ahmed Audi, still has until March 2026 before the expiration of his tenure, his outstanding performance places him in a category of leadership that deserves early consideration for extension or reappointment. His achievements in internal security operations, particularly in protecting critical infrastructure, mediating local conflicts, and contributing to the Safe School Initiative, safety of farmslands through NSCDC Agro Rangers demonstrate that his continued leadership would benefit not just the NSCDC, but national security at large.

Beyond security, there are also economic advantages to continuity. With Customs generating record-breaking revenue figures and Immigration improving its service efficiency, the country benefits from the financial discipline and competence of these leaders. Extending their tenure helps avoid the administrative costs and policy inconsistencies that often accompany leadership transitions.

In conclusion, the case for extending the tenures of the current heads of Customs, Immigration, and the NSCDC is both compelling and strategic. It reflects a policy of rewarding excellence, sustaining reforms, and prioritizing national security above politics. President Tinubu’s endorsement of their continued leadership would serve as a clear message that competence and performance remain the benchmarks for public service in the new Nigeria. As the nation navigates complex security challenges and economic recovery, continuity in these key security institutions is not only an advantage; it is a necessity.