Group Warns Against Tenure Extension For Customs Boss
- Calls For Forensic Audit
A civil society group, Citizen Initiative for Good Governance (CIGG), has urged the national assembly not to extend the tenure of the current Nigerian Customs management team led by Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi.
The group said such an extension will encourage corruption and worsen revenue leakages, citing alleged loopholes created by the current leadership at borders and terminals that have led to significant revenue losses and compromised operations.
The group in a statement signed by its National Convener, Adeyemi Akande, a copy obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Thursday, said the Comptroller-General of Customs has not functioned optimally since he assumed office.
The group also “accused the leadership of promoting officers based on bribery rather than merit”.
“Additionally, there is controversy within the Customs Service involving senior officers lobbying for illegal tenure extensions, causing unrest and blocking career progression of younger officers,” the statement noted.
The group stated that extending retired officers’ tenure would lead to corruption and promote mediocrity instead of merit and violate civil service rules.
The group, therefore, called for urgent measures, including addressing age falsification within the service and closing all operational loopholes.
“We are urging the Federal Government to conduct a forensic audit, setting up an Auction Committee, investigate the moribund costly platforms like well from tail, which was initially retained by Hameed Ali and was later acquired by Hameed Ali and his cronies, investigate the none- existing and none performing Odogwu Platform set up by the current CGC and his corrupt allies.
“We also want the federal government to investigate the rationale behind the establishment of a Customs University, Badagary, Lagos instead of equipping and developing the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College(NCCSC), Gwagwalada-Abuja. How much (public fund) is committed to the said University?
“We also demand investigation to Water patrol and modern jetties, Marine jetties, Marine bases and Marine equipment,” the statement added.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
