Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has dissolved the State Executive Council, removing most commissioners and special advisers in what is seen as a major political shake-up.

The dissolution, which took immediate effect, was announced in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, on Sunday.

According to the statement, all affected commissioners and special advisers are to hand over to the permanent secretary or the most senior civil servant in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).

Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the outgoing cabinet members for their service.

“I thank all affected members of the State Executive Council for their contributions to the development of Ekiti State and wish them success in their future endeavours,” the governor said.

Exceptions to the Dissolution

Not all officials were affected by the sweeping changes. The statement clarified that the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Works, and Commissioner for Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives will remain in office.

Two special advisers — Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion and Special Adviser on Lands, Survey and e-GIS — have also retained their positions.

In addition, all Directors-General who are part of the State Executive Council will continue in their roles. These include the Director General, Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD); Director General, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Project Monitoring; and Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

Political Context and Possible Implications

While no official reason was given for the cabinet shake-up, political observers in the state believe the move may be part of a broader strategy to reposition the government ahead of upcoming political and developmental priorities. Such reshuffles are common midway into an administration’s tenure, often used to inject fresh energy into governance or reward political loyalty.

The dissolution comes at a time when Ekiti State is pushing several key projects, including infrastructure development, agricultural reforms, and improved public service delivery.

Governor Oyebanji is expected to announce new appointments in the coming weeks.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun high-level consultations with key players in the freight forwarding industry over plans to review the renewal fees for licensed customs agents. The proposed changes are part of wider reforms aimed at strengthening professionalism, improving efficiency, and adapting to current economic conditions.

The talks, held at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, 7 August 2025, brought together executives from major industry associations, including the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), and the Customs Consultative Committee (CCC).

According to the Service, the review is anchored on its statutory mandate under Sections 103 to 107 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023. It will also reflect “prevailing economic realities, including the value of exchange rates,” while ensuring only compliant, competent, and integrity-driven agents retain their licences.

Raising Standards in Cargo Clearance

The licensing of customs agents, NCS stressed, is a critical safeguard in Nigeria’s cargo clearance process. By revising the licensing fees and requirements, the Service hopes to promote accountability, streamline operations, and enhance service delivery across the sector.

“This initiative is aimed at promoting accountability, streamlining processes, and enhancing the quality of service delivery in the sector,” the NCS said in its statement.

The new licensing structure is scheduled to take effect from January 2026, following the conclusion of stakeholder consultations.

Benefits for Compliant Agents

Under the proposed system, agents who meet the updated standards will enjoy premium benefits such as:

Faster processing timelines

Improved engagement channels with Customs officers

Better integration with upgraded digital platforms

The Service said these incentives are designed to reward professionalism and discourage sharp practices.

CGC Adeniyi Addressing the roundtable

Commitment to Transparency

Dr Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS National Public Relations Officer, emphasised the agency’s openness to input from industry stakeholders before final decisions are made.

“The NCS reassures stakeholders of its commitment to an inclusive process and notes that feedback from industry associations, individual operators, and relevant government agencies will be carefully considered before the finalisation and implementation of the review. The Service reiterates its dedication to fairness, transparency, and the promotion of a secure, competitive, and efficient trading environment in Nigeria,” Maiwada stated.

Sector Impact

Industry experts believe the changes could have a significant effect on the cost of doing business, but also on the quality of operations within Nigeria’s ports. Supporters say that by ensuring only qualified and compliant agents remain in the system, the policy could improve trust in Nigeria’s international trade processes.

In a strategic move to foster ethical conduct, professional excellence, and stakeholder confidence, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled a Reputation Management Guide, a key institutional framework designed to reorient officers toward integrity-driven service.

The unveiling ceremony, held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the NCS headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, was presided over by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, alongside senior management, public relations professionals, and other stakeholders in the communication sector.

Speaking at the launch, CGC Adeniyi emphasised that the guide marks a significant milestone in the Customs Service’s transformation journey.

“We want to launch a new phase of Customs. We want to go beyond our traditional mandate. This guide is an opportunity for every Customs officer to be part of a project that rewrites the history of our Service,” he stated.

Rewriting the Image of Customs

CGC Adeniyi, a trained public relations expert, highlighted that the Reputation Management Guide goes beyond internal procedures. It is a foundational document aimed at instilling values such as integrity, service excellence, and professionalism in every customs officer.

“This guide is not just a document but a call to action. It reminds every officer that our image is built not only by what we do but also by how we do it,” he said.

According to him, the launch is part of a broader initiative to align the NCS with global best practices and meet the expectations of institutions like the World Customs Organisation (WCO), which champions transparency, inclusivity, and ethical leadership in customs operations.

Measurable Progress Backed by Reform

In affirming the Service’s reform trajectory, Adeniyi cited the agency’s revenue strides as evidence of institutional repositioning:

“In 2023, we recorded a 70 per cent revenue increase. In 2024, that figure rose to 92 per cent. Beyond these numbers, what gladdens me most is that the world is taking note of the impact our initiatives are making,” he stated.

He further noted that officers are now expected to view themselves as both law enforcers and brand ambassadors of a responsible government institution.

Supporting National Agenda and Gender Equity

Reinforcing the link between Customs reforms and national policy, CGC Adeniyi said the Service had aligned its community outreach programmes with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. These include investments in education, healthcare, clean water, and support for the creative economy.

He also reaffirmed Customs’ commitment to gender inclusion and equity, noting deliberate efforts to promote women into leadership roles and ensure inclusive governance.

In an emotional moment, Adeniyi expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for extending his tenure as CGC:

“It is a renewed motivation and inspiration to do more in the service of the country,” he remarked.

Endorsement from Public Relations Experts

The launch received strong support from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Representing the NIPR President, Ike Neliaku, the Institute’s Vice President, Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, described the guide as a practical demonstration of Customs’ commitment to institutional ethics.

“Customs does not treat reputation as a mere buzzword, but as a vital asset that every organisation must nurture to thrive in today’s competitive environment,” Dandaura said.

He lauded CGC Adeniyi as a symbol of professional discipline and credibility, noting that his leadership had ushered in a culture of responsibility and institutional reform.

Neliaku also disclosed that a recent nationwide reputation perception survey conducted by the NIPR revealed a positive rating for the NCS in how it has discharged its core mandate.

“This is a sign that the agency’s reforms are working internally and resonating with the public,” he noted, while assuring continued NIPR partnership with the Customs Service.

Digital Era Customs and Institutional Legacy

The launch of the Reputation Management Guide is seen as part of a broader digital-era transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service. It represents a shift not only in policy but also in culture, public perception, and global image.

By aligning reputation management with operational excellence and stakeholder trust, the NCS is sending a strong message that it is ready to lead as a modern customs administration both regionally and globally.