Tinubu Should Restore Order In Nigerian Customs Service, Stop Retired Officers From Occupying Office, Says Civil Society

President Bola Tinubu has been urged to wade into the brewing scandal at the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) where some retired personnel still occupy their old offices and those who are due for retirement are lobbying for extension of service.

The Societal Safety Network (SSN) in a release on Thursday noted that Tinubu must act decisively to restore credibility to the NCS and enforce transparency and the rule of law.

In the release signed by Asuku Sunday, the SSN Director, Public Communication, the civil society called for sanity and transparency in the NCS, a critical government agency.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that some top officers of the NCS who reached the end of their service years refused to leave office and were lobbying for an extension of service.

SaharaReporters had learnt that the indicted personnel include high-ranking officers such as the Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCGs), the Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACGs), the Comptrollers and the Deputy Comptrollers, who are allegedly lobbying for extension to their service years.

According to sources, the officers have failed to proceed on retirement leave, and some have continued to report to work even after their service years have expired.

In the release on Thursday, the civil society said, “It is alarming to note that many senior officers due for retirement, including ACG B. Imam, ACG I.G. Umar, ACG I.Q. Ogbudu, Compt. M.T. Awe, and Compt. K.R. Kolade, have refused to proceed on mandatory retirement leave.

“This violation of the NCS Act 2023 and civil service rules has far-reaching implications such as disruption of organisational structure in such a way that retired officers lingering in office prevent newly promoted officers from assuming their roles and block chance of bringing on board new officers.

“We urge the CG to make a public statement on the status of these aforementioned officers both in the press and with a correspondence to Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief on or before 7 working days. Otherwise, we shall petition Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related offences commission ICPC.

“We urge President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to;

1. Ensure Compliance with Retirement Laws: Direct all officers due for retirement to proceed immediately, in accordance with civil service rules.

2. Strengthen Leadership Oversight: Avoid the pitfalls of the previous administration by ensuring accountability at all levels of the NCS.

3. Uphold Meritocracy: Promote younger officers with fresh perspectives to foster innovation and energy within the Service.

“The refusal of retired officers to vacate their offices is a brewing scandal that threatens to tarnish the reputation of the NCS. It reflects poorly on the leadership’s ability to enforce discipline and order. Additionally, the continued presence of these officers, who are reportedly embroiled in allegations of wealth accumulation, creates a moral burden on the Service and the nation.

“President Tinubu must act decisively to restore order and credibility to the Nigeria Customs Service. By promoting transparency, enforcing the rule of law, and prioritising the national interest.”