The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Joseph Attah on Wednesday said that a publication of corruption allegation against the Comptroller General, Col. Hammer Ali was baseless.
Our reporter had asked him on phone to respond to an online story that accused the Customs boss of undermining, the anti-corruption was of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Debunking the story, he said; “the allegations are bogus and compound in nature, lacking necessary flesh that should add any meaningful value.
“My worry is about how long it should take for some of NCS stakeholders to accept that things have changed with the current Comptroller General of Customs Col.Hameed Ibrahim Ali rtd.
“After more than three years, such allegations bordering on personal interest on the part of the CGC clearly shows lack of proper understanding of a man whose unquestionable Intergrity preceded his present position as the CGC.
“Allegations of corruption appears to be the cheapest anchor point where there is hidden intention to smear anybody or organisation in Nigeria. It is therefore not difficult to know that this one coming from a section of the online maritime publication is not different.
“There is no doubt that NCS as presently constituted generates unprecedented revenue for the FG and more than ever on the offensive against Smugglers with spectacular seizures of arms and ammunition, dangerous drugs and other items that can compromise national economy and security.”
The story had said that President Mohammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption battle is being compromised by the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) headed by Col. Hammed Ali (rtd),the Comptroller General of Customs(CG) sequel to the series of activities that have been taking place in the agency.
It said that investigation has shown that goods which import duties have been paid are intercepted on the roads by the officers of the Federal Operations Unit (FoU) and the CG’s Strike Force headed by his Principal Security Officer (PSO).
The only exemption is when the importer or his agent “settles” the officers.
The PRO was, however, concerned that the allegations were sweeping and devoid of particular incident or names that could help in investigation.
“The FOUs, it was alleged have organized syndicates made up of clearing agents who collect money illegally on their behalf to avoid interception of containers.
The CGC was also alleged to be single-handedly awarding contracts to his preferred contractors.
This, according to Attah, is devoid of the names of the victims, or companies awarded such contracts that would have helped any investigation.
The NCS, he said will do better with comments and suggestions that will strengthen the system rather than distractions.
