Tinubu urged to direct Customs Officers due for retirement to do so immediately

Societal Safety Network (SSN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure compliance with retirement Laws by directing all Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officers due for retirement to proceed immediately, in accordance with civil service rules.

This is even as the Network asked the Comptroller-General, the Service to make public statement on the status of the officers both in the press and with a report correspondence to Mr. President in the next seven days.

Activist Asuku Sunday, the director, public communication of the SSN, who made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during a briefing said failure to do so, “we shall petition Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related offences commission ICPC, with revelations of our search light accompany with mass action for public interest on the activities of the service.”

He said as a Network committed to fighting for the society, it is alarming to note that many senior officers due for retirement 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 officer through recruitment,” he said.

While noting that the President is committed to reduce unemployment among youth in Nigeria, he said “This act of seat tight syndrome in Nigeria custom service is weakening meritocracy and deny opportunities for younger officers, undermines career progression and organisational morale.”

“It amount to perpetuation of corruption, such that extending tenure of these officers will raise concerns about undue influence and the misuse of amassed illicit wealth, which we shall reject vehemently,” he said.

Sunday also urged the President to strengthen the leadership oversight, ensure accountability at all levels of the NCS and uphold meritocracy by promoting younger officers with fresh perspectives to foster innovation and energy within the Service.

He said 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.”

According to him, the President must act decisively to restore order and credibility to the Nigeria Customs Service. “By promoting transparency, enforcing the rule of law, and prioritizing the national interest, his administration can ensure that the NCS remains a beacon of economic strength and integrity for Nigeria.”