Nigeria Customs retires 5 deputy CGs, 30 senior officers in major shake-up

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has retired five deputy comptrollers-general along with another 30 senior officers in the service in its ongoing reorganisation.

The NCS Public Relations Officer, Mr Wale Adeniyi, who announced this, Friday, in Abuja, said the service was currently undergoing reorganisation to reposition it for ‘effective operations.’

Adeniyi said that more details would soon be provided to the public about the exercise.

The development may be sequel to earlier revealed by the recently- appointed Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Hameed Ali, to reorganized the service.

In an unprecedented move in the history of the customs service in the country, the five DCGs jointly announced their resignation in a terse letter dated October 29, 2015 titled “Voluntary Retirement” addressed to the Chairman of the Customs Board.

“We the underlisted officers currently on the rank of Deputy Comptroller-General met today, 29 October 2015 and unanimously agreed to voluntarily retire from the service of the Nigerian Customs Service having risen to the privileged rank of Deputy Comptroller-General.

“We need to thank the President for giving us the opportunity to serve our great nation, Nigeria,” the letter read.

The letter was signed by Atte, A.J with service number 31441; Musa T.A, 31454; Mera I.M, 37595; Nwosu A.C, 34421; Adewuyi A.A, 30727.

Though they gave no reason for their resignation, it is believed that the DCG unanimously quit service following the uncompromising leadership style of Mr Ali, a retired Army Colonel, known for his anti-corruption stance.

Mr. Ali has been talking tough since he assumed duties as head of revenue agency in September.

On his second day at work, he read the Riot Act to officers and men, vowing to jail anyone who indulges in corruption or any other unethical practices.

“Since I took over yesterday (Thursday), I have been receiving briefing notes to enhance my understanding of the Nigeria Customs Service. I have articulated some ideas to start with, and I have found it necessary to share these ideas with you. These ideas shall be the guiding principle and platform for a smooth takeoff.

“First and foremost, it is important that we know where we are going. We can start by ensuring that we pick up the mantle of Mr. President’s policy thrust. Therefore, in conjunction with you, moving with you and fighting with you we will fight corruption and restore discipline through attitudinal orientation for effective service delivery.

“However, I must stress this for emphasis. I will not tolerate indiscipline. I will not tolerate corruption. I have zero tolerance for corruption.

“Considering my military background, I believe punishment must be punitive for others to see it as a deterrent. Therefore, as an officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, if you are caught involved in corruption, I am not only going to dismiss you, I will make sure I prosecute and jail you. That is basic,” Ali said addressing the officers.